2016 Toyon Farm Pinot Noir

VINEYARD

Originally founded as a Morgan Horse Farm, Toyon Farm took its namesake from a perennial shrub native to Carneros. Saintsbury’s relationship with Toyon Farm formed  right when the vines were planted. Today,  we enjoy access to the grapes from this site that is located about 500 meters east of our Brown Ranch estate vineyard, and separated by Hyde vineyard.

Appellation: Carneros, Napa

Clones:  100% Dijon 115

Terroir:  The “banana belt” of the Carneros AVA—warmer days and cool nights. Hillside vineyards facing  the west that sit on a mix of volcanic soil and marine sedimentary clay loam; creating a wine of robust style with dark aromas.

WINEMAKING

After night harvesting , the fruit from Toyon Farm has a short distance to travel—a few miles down Old Sonoma Road to Saintsbury . From there, each block remains separate and receives gentle handling starting on the sorting table and to the open top fermenters for 5 day cold soak, 11 day total cuvaison. This is a site that requires gentle extraction regime for balanced tannins and bright acidity.