2003 Nicholson Ranch Vineyard, Sonoma Valley - Library Selection
Released
October 2007, 152 cases produced
Internet-Direct Price: $60.00 / 750 mL bottle
Our Nicholson Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir is the second release, and smallest production, of the three wines we made in 2003. In the Nicholson we have found a stark contrast to our first release from 2003, the Los Carneros Pinot. The Nicholson is all bright cherry, balsam and sunlight, where the Carneros is darker, briary and earthy.
The amazing thing is that the vineyards are only a few miles apart, about the same age, and with similar Dijon clones, rootstocks, trellising and farming. The yields were nearly identical, and the winemaking was identical, right down to the yeast used and the barrel mix the two wines were raised in.
The differences are due to the soil - shallow sand and ash at Nicholson vs. deep clay loam at Carneros - and climate: warmer at Nicholson, windier at Carneros. These wines definitely show their terroir.
Winemaker's tasting notes:
Appearance is medium-ruby color with excellent clarity. Aromas of pine balsam, cherry, leather, orange peel, and nutmeg. Big and aromatic on the palate, with great acid structure and grippy tannins that carry through into the aftertaste. The finish is long and still a bit disjointed, with flavors of cherry, vanilla and Christmas spice.
In the context of the all the Pinot that Westwood has ever bottled, our 2003 Nicholson Ranch Vineyard Pinot is a bit in-your-face, but shows surprising depth and subtlety upon reflection, with time in the glass.
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The second release in our spectacular triumvirate of Pinot Noir from the 2003 vintage shows intense aromatics, huge volume on the palate, and an angularity in the finish that promises long aging.
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