2021 Chêne Vineyard Pinot Noir

Chêne Vineyard is the only wine we produce for Potek that lies outside of Santa Barbara County.  It’s seated in the cool, wind-swept Edna Valley of San Luis Obispo County. Chêne encompasses six-and-half acres of densely-planted vineyard, with approximately 12,000 vines on the property. Soil composition is a mix of ancient seabed sand dunes and volcanic tuff sandstone, a result of volcanic activity that shaped the valley and the vineyard’s close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. These soils promote naturally low vigor on the site and make for dark, intense berries on small bunches that achieve early stem lignification – perfect for inclusion in the fermentations.

The vineyard is certified Demeter Biodynamic and lovingly farmed by Gina Giugni.   

The grapes were hand-harvested early in the morning, and we included ~ 33% whole clusters in the fermentation to add structure and savoriness. Two-thirds of the fruit was de-stemmed. We pumped the ferment over one time a day for about 18 days and pressed the wine at dryness directly to a neutral 500L French oak puncheon. The wine was aged 18 months and bottled in February of 2023. 

The volcanic soils add a personality that is distinct from our Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noirs and show a wine with tannin, color, and concentration. It’s a firmly structured, deeply colored, and brooding version of Pinot with crushed red fruits, savory dried herbs, and a hint of reduction on the nose. This is a wine that will age gracefully for many years to come.

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