Cool, wind-swept “English Hill Vineyard” is the source for this fantastic, tiny-production Pinot Noir. Deep wild red cherries, framboise, both black & green tea, red rose petals, crystallized ginger, dry-aged beef and pomegranate populate my tasting notes now. Just wait 3-4 years as the wine develops and you’ll get more. 2015, a drought vintage, could be tricky to make delicate wines. Owner/winemaker Kurt Beitler nailed it here. This is complex, strong, fruity and savory all in one. In the $50/bottle category of Pinot Noir from anywhere, this is as good as it gets.
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From Kurt Beitler, owner/winemaker of Boheme: “English Hill Vineyard grows at the southwest edge of Sebastopol Hills, surrounded by expansive pasture and rangeland. Overlooking Russian River Valley and the Marin Coast, weather swings wildly between continental and maritime influences. 2015 Pinot Noir: Five clones of Pinot Noir are planted at this site that bridges Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley AVAs. The grapes were harvested between August 28th and September 2nd with an average yield of 1.22 tons per acre. English Hill Pinot Noir received tailored cold-soak and hand punch-down treatment with 25% Whole Cluster fermentation. The wine aged 22 months in 15% new French Burgundy barrels before bottling.”
