The source for our Trousseau, the Luchsinger vineyard in the Big Valley appellation in Lake County, was hit with a rare devastating black frost in late October of 2020, which stunted and killed dormant buds needed for the next year’s growth. Due to the much lower crop yields combined with ongoing drought conditions, the 2021 Trousseau was delicious but very pale and low in tannin; both variables needed for a complete wine. During our post-harvest barrel tasting, we decided to bolster the Trousseau by blending in 20% Pinot Noir from our newest site, Fox Creek in the hills above the Carmel Valley. Both varieties were fermented with whole clusters before being blended together and aged in neutral French oak barrels. We are delighted with the resulting wine which positively bursts with bright ruby color, saturated red fruit and exotic spice.
