Our Wines

Heron Wines

Pinot Noir, Sonoma County

Vineyards: Sonoma Coast & Carneros

Two vineyards in prime locations in the Sonoma County appellation with maritime cool climates and sandy loam soils contribute to conditions ideal for growing Pinot Noir. We work with growers who are as passionate about quality as we are. Whenever possible our vineyards are organically and or sustainably grown.

VINE AGE: Average vine age 16 years
VINE DENSITY: 2000/acre
VINE TRELLISING SYSTEM: Bilateral Cordon
YIELDS/ACRE: 2.5-3 tons per acre

WEATHER PECULIARITIES
Cool in spring — average to late bud break. Unusual rain in June, then cool through summer with a few heat spikes. Good weather until the end of September, then some rain. Generally, a slightly below average size crop and a slightly later harvest.

Alcohol: 13.0% — refreshingly balanced in today’s world of high-alcohol wines.

WINEMAKING DETAILS
About 90 percent stem removal then gently crushed to tank. Cold soak at 50°F, punched-down 3 times daily through fermentation with a temporary heat spike to 85°F to improve extraction, then gradually lowered with punch down 2 times per day. The wine was gently pressed to about one atmosphere pressure in a bladder press to minimize tannin extraction then ML finished in French oak barrels. The wine was aged in new, one and two year-old French oak barrels for about 8 months.

Technical Sheet • Shelf Talker • Label