2016 Capiaux Widdoes Vineyard Pinot Noir
Russian River (Green Valley)
I've had access to Widdoes Vineyard for 22 years and it is owned by Don Widdoes and farmed by Dutton Ranch who planted Martini clones in 1990. The soil is Goldridge fine sandy loam. Located just West of the little town of Graton, it is a magical location for pinot noir.
Dark red with a strong purple hue and a semi-opaque center. Deep and brooding aromas of ripe plum, cherry cola, raspberry reduction and toasted chestnuts. Jammy and earthy flavors with some whole cluster stem character add complexity to this broad and rich wine.
Antonio Galloni 93+ pts
The 2016 Pinot Noir Widdoes Vineyard is a bold, pungent wine, with huge tannins that are going to need quite a bit of time to soften. Succulent black cherry, plum, lavender, game, mint and violet gradually reveal themselves, but only with great reluctance. In 2016, Sean Capiaux used about 10% stems, but the whole clusters are not especially evident. This imposing, brooding Pinot is in no mood to show all of its cards today. I don't remember the Widdoes ever being so intense. Drinking window 2020-2031. Reviewed Apr 2018
Appellation: Russian River (Green Valley sub-appellation)
Vineyard: 100% Widdoes
Harvest Date: September 15
Brix @ Harvest: 26.1
Bottling Date: August 2017
pH: 3.78
Release Date: March 2018
TA (g/1): 5.9
Aging: French oak, 40% new
Alcohol: 14.5
Months Aging: 11
Production: 362 cases