Valentine's Day Reds 3-Pack 2022

HOOK & LADDER RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY ESTATE SIMEONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2017

THE VINEYARDS: Cecil De Loach planted these delicate Pinot Noir vineyards in 1973 in the Russian River Valley. Located on the plains and gently rolling hills off Olivet road in western Santa Rosa, this area provides an excellent medium for the coastal fog that blankets our fruit in the mornings and evenings. The cooling moisture facilitates a longer growing season in which Pinot Noir thrives.

THE GROWING SEASON: 2017 was another fantastic growing year in the Russian River Valley. Yields were larger than that of 2016 while a slightly cooler August allowed the clusters to mature more slowly and evenly than previous vintages, providing great flavor and color development.

THE WINEMAKING: We use old-world techniques, whole berries, and 10 % whole clusters to make our Pinot Noir in small batches that we "punch down" up to three times a day. After native yeast fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for up to 8 months to achieve optimum balance and complexity.

THE WINE: This Simeone Vineyard Pinot displays floral and rich cherry-vanilla aromas with light sandalwood. Densely layered with flavors of currants, rhubarb, and fresh blackberry, there are subtle hints of baking spices and dry tobacco finishing with lush black cherry maple.

HARVESTED: September 8th, 2017
ALCOHOL: 14.2%
TA: .60
pH: 3.62
CASES PRODUCED: 88
AGING: 8 months in 100% French Oak, 50% New Oak
ESTATE BOTTLED: July 11, 2018
WINEMAKER: Jason De Loach

Since 1990, Nick Goldschmidt has been walking the hills and valleys of the Alexander Valley. Doing this has given him the ability to discover very unique and exciting vineyards that fit his specific criteria for growing grapes; east-facing slopes for morning sun, old vines for balanced yield, and balanced water availability to produce small fruit that creates big, dark, and black wines. 

This special, Reserve Cabernet is a deep garnet, packed with raspberry and ripe black fruit characters expanding into mint and toasty oak aromas. On the palate, you’ll find black cherry and plum layers weaving seamlessly through the red tobacco and earthy overtones. Full-bodied and nicely balanced.