2021 Black Sheep

When crafting Black Sheep, we pay tribute to the “Black Sheep” all of us have in our family– a bit offensive, emotionally needy, and slightly dark and ornery…in wine speak, the character of the wine will be robust, bold, intense, and of course pleasantly offensive.  Look for darker fruit notes, bigger tannins, and full-bodied….a slightly more hedonistic approach to Pinot Noir.

2021 was one of the best years in recent memory for the Black Sheep blend.  Most important was an incredible growing season.  Slow ripening, below average yields, and cooler nights created optimal growing conditions for Pinot Noir in Sonoma County.  The blend shows this off at first sniff, flooding the nostrils with concentrated, dark berried fruit notes.  Slight hints of forest floor and oak push into the background on the aromatics as well.  The palate follows the nose, with layers of brooding tannin, blackberry pie covered in whipped cream, and cocoa.  The finish pushes along well, with all the usual suspects – acid, oak, and spice- moving together in harmony.