Emeritus bottles two expressions from their estate Pinot Hill vineyard using fruit harvested on each side of the hill. The eastern flank gets morning light and stays cooler overall; the western site bakes in the afternoon sun. The clones are also different. But the winemaking is similar, and the net results clearly differ and demonstrate how aspect affects the wine.
Both lots are cold soaked for seven days prior to the start of fermentation, which proceeds with ambient cultures. The wines age for eleven months in French oak, about 60% new. The wines are bottled un-fined and unfiltered. I’m gratified that both weigh in under 14% ABV.
2019 Emeritus Vineyards Pinot Noir Pinot Hill East Sonoma Coast Sonoma County
Higher toned than the West bottling. Flavors suggest strawberry and cranberry, and the fruit and barrel spices read like potpourri and clove. The tannins are modest; the structure is from acidity instead. It has a spicy, cinnamon red-hot finish.
13.3% ABV | $78 (sample)
2019 Emeritus Vineyards Pinot Noir Pinot Hill West Sonoma Coast Sonoma County
Darker and more brooding than the East bottling, and slightly earthier, too, with a wet clay aroma note that adds dimension. The fruit is plummy, opulent, and riper, and the more substantial weight carries the wine to a longer finish.
13.6% ABV | $78 (sample)
