The 2016 Pinot Noir Golden Mean comes mostly from the Swan clone yet includes plenty of Pommard as well. The cuvée comes from two parcels in the estate vineyard, is cofermented (with around 10% whole cluster), and spent15 months in 67% new French oak. It offers a more black fruited style with a huge nose of black cherries, scorched earth, charcoal, and just a hint of exotic flowers. Medium-bodied, rich, and structured, it’s another wine that builds with time in the glass. Give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following decade.

From Pommard and Swan clones with zero whole cluster this year, the 2016 Pinot Noir Golden Mean is medium ruby-purple colored and sings of kirsch, mulberries, black cherries and cranberries with touches of cinnamon stick, red roses, black pepper and black tea plus a waft of mossy bark. Medium-bodied, the palate has beautiful tension with a firm frame of grainy tannins and tons of red and black fruit layers, finishing on a lingering mineral note. - LPB