2011 Pinot Noir Growers
John Leidenfrost, East side Seneca Lake – John’s vineyard is very steep with such amazing exposure to the bedrock below. It was the first vineyard we picked and the fruit was beautiful. John has the type of vineyard where you can feel the heat radiating out from the earth – cool stuff. We kept this wine separate in its own fermenter. From day one, it is showed such power, grip and strength that we knew it was going to be a great “frame” to work off of. Great clonal diversity and old vines.
Harvest date – Monday September 19th
Ryan Bossert, East side Seneca Lake – Ryan has a long sloping vineyard with good proximity to Seneca lake. The soils have a good amount of clay, nice for Pinot, and his vineyard management style is one that is very respectful of the use of any sprays or late harvest additions….a serious statement where we live. The fruit here is a teeth stainer, black and inky with a weight that will add nice texture. More good things to come out of this vineyard.
Harvest date – Sunday September 25th
Chris Verrill, East side Seneca Lake – This vineyard is the “sleeper;”Cornell said he couldn’t grow grapes there and in short order he has established himself as one of the top growers in the Finger Lakes. Long, sloping vineyards, high altitude, good air drainage and a relentless intensity in the vineyard ends up giving wines of great minerality, freshness and varietal character. Chris also has amazing clonal variation…too many to name!
Harvest date – Monday September 26th
Images of Pinot Noir from 2011:
