2017 Vintage Vine Hill ‘Flanc De Coteau Blocs’
WINDSOR, Calif., September 30, 2019 – Sonoma-Cutrer, known for producing world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the esteemed Russian River Valley, today announced the introduction of its Vintage 2017 Vine Hill ‘Flanc De Coteau Bloc’ Pinot Noir as part of its acclaimed Winemakers Release series.
Sonoma-Cutrer’s Vine Hill Vineyard provided the fruit for this release with grapes specifically selected from the highest elevation, hillside blocks. With more than a 400-ft. elevation change, each ridge, slope, and valley in the vineyard contributes unique characteristics to the grapes. Combined with a variety of soils, clones and rootstocks that limit excessive vine growth, the vineyard provided a beautiful variety of elegant and balanced fruit.
Three specific winemaking techniques were used to craft this wine. First, a technique called submerged cap was used, which keeps the grape skins held beneath the surface of the fermented wine. Second, grapes were cold soaked and fermented in French oak barrels and third, traditional fermented in small, open top, stainless fermenters. After fermentation, each of the individual components were barrel aged in 100% French oak barrels made from wood sourced solely from the Gauthier family mill. After aging for 16 months, the final blend was assembled and bottled. The wine was then allowed to rest and evolve for an additional six months in the bottle prior to release.
“Extra care was taken in selecting the specific fruit, fermentation methods and French oak barrels to produce this exclusive, once in a lifetime Pinot Noir,” said Sonoma-Cutrer Director of Winemaking, Mick Schroeter. “This 2017 vintage of our Winemakers Release highlights the artistry and innovation of our winemaking and Pinot Noir craftsmanship.”
The Winemakers Release is a series of limited-production wines offered periodically and consisting of unique expressions that showcase the craftsmanship and innovation of Sonoma-Cutrer. Sonoma-Cutrer’s V’17 Vine Hill ‘Flanc De Coteau Blocs’ Pinot Noir is hitting shelves now in select markets for a suggested retail price of $49.99.
Tasting Notes for Sonoma-Cutrer Vintage 2017 Vine Hill Flanc De Coteau Blocs
V’17 Vine Hill ‘Flanc De Coteau Bloc’ Pinot Noir is a beautiful, reddish-purple color. On the nose, complex aromas of dark blackberry and black ripe plum fruit mingle with provocative juniper spice, cinnamon, cedar wood and earth notes. This well-structured Pinot Noir offers good oak integration and firm, polished tannins. The flavors in this wine showcase an abundance of savory tension and complexity that round out to lively fresh acidity with a juicy, lingering finish.
About Sonoma-Cutrer:
Sonoma-Cutrer has been crafting wines since 1981 in the esteemed Russian River Valley growing region of Sonoma County, California. Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards utilizes proprietary cooling tunnels designed specifically to preserve the highest quality grapes, and the wines are aged in barrels made of specific French oak trees that are individually-selected to fit the winemakers’ needs. All Sonoma-Cutrer wines can be purchased at the Sonoma-Cutrer winery as well as through the wine club, Club Cutrer. For more information about our wines, how to purchase or to join Club Cutrer, please visit www.sonomacutrer.com or visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/sonomacutrervineyards.
