Although their first vintage was in 1968, Joseph Swan Vineyards is still young at heart. The passion and curiosity that Joe Swan brought to his craft are still evident in the winery today.
Located in the heart of the famed Russian River Valley, now often proclaimed ground zero for great pinot noir, Swan Vineyards embraces the artisanal spirit that defines this amazing growing region. The winery's roots were in old vine zinfandel and estate chardonnay and pinot noir. Today, they continue to embrace those wines but also, in recognition of the amazing quality and personality grapes grown by talented and dedicated winegrowers can achieve in this wonderful region. Each of the wines is a unique expression of its terroir and the vintage. While all carry the hallmark winery signature of balance and personality, they span a broad range of aromas, flavors and textures.
"There are few more civilized pleasures in life than good company, good food, and good wine - Joe Swan"
2018 Joseph Swan Vineyards Pinot Noir Cuvee de Trois 750ml
Although they have never labeled it this way, the Cuvée de Trois is basically a reserve blend. It consists of some of each of their vineyard designated pinot noirs and is meant to speak to the RRV as whole, blending the various vineyard components into a harmonious expression of what makes this AVA so special. This year included all of the usual suspects but with the addition of a vineyard located in the Sebastopol Hills neighborhood. This addition added a bit more than usual raciness to the finished wine, coming as it does from the coolest corner of the AVA.
- Winemaking:
Each block of each vineyard was harvested and fermented separately. 15-20% whole cluster. Native yeast fermentation in open-top fermenters. Punch downs by hand three times a day during peak fermentation. Average 21 days on the skins. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.
- Aging
10 months in French oak (32% new)
Tasting Notes:
Faded ruby color. It dances between earth and fruit with flavors of red (plum pit, along with darkish berries, black tea and loam), seriousness and playfulness. It is firm and balanced with all of the components in harmony and should drink well for another 5-10 years.