2007 Bouchaine Mariafeld Pinot Noir  

This clone of Pinot Noir represents successful Darwinian evolution. Somewhere in time a Pinot Noir vine, presumably growing in Switzerland, developed a mutation whereby the Pinot grape cluster was much less densely packed, the berries were larger with thicker darker skin. The fortuitousness of this happy genetic development was that the grapes would readily dry out after a rainstorm and stave off the dreaded botrytis rot. This trait was recognized as a great hedge against inclement European weather. The grape has a reputation for producing dark wines with a robust flavor, along with plush body and balanced character. Our fascination with the singular history of this Pinot Noir variant has prompted us to bottle up a bit to share with our club members and the lucky few who can get their hands on this bottling quick enough! Only 228 cases available.

Of all our 2007 Pinots this one seems the most “fruit forward” and playful. Winemaker Michael Richmond says, "I notice the wine transform in the glass showing an initial grapiness that is promptly bolstered by brown sugar overtones and classic pinot earth tones. Such mutability finds me delving deeper into the glass until I must pour a second. I’m looking forward to exploring the complexities of my Thanksgiving dinner against a background of this pretty Mariafeld Pinot Noir."

  $30.00