2021 Capiaux Starscape Pinot Noir
Russian River
10% whole cluster, 5-day cold soak. Uninoculated fermentation in open top tank with Pulsair (cap management using compressed air) and traditional punch downs. 13-day total maceration, secondary malolactic fermentation in barrel and aged sur lie 11 months until bottling without fining or filtration. No nutrient additives. 
Starscape Vineyard, formerly Floodgate Vineyard, located in the Northern part of Russian River Valley bordering Mark West Creek is within the unofficial sub-region known as Middle Reach. Planted in 1971, these old Martini clone vines are among the oldest known Pinot Noir in Russian River. The effects of annual flooding mark these craggy, thick 52-year-old vines yielding less than a ton an acre. The soil type is Laniger loam, typically found in flood plains, with a Yolo loam over-wash. I’m so pleased with the unique character and striking quality this old vineyard delivers.
A purple hue in the glass leading to floral aromas with lavender and mint, raspberry and saline on the edge of the nose. Raspberry/cherry cobbler with a hint of graham cracker on the palate offering a long silky finish with stable tannins. “A warm, weighted raspberry blanket poured over my tongue” as Sean describes this wine.
Reviews:
Vinous/Galloni 96 Pts “…one of the most potent, virile wines in the range. These old vines planted in the 1960’s with the wide row spacing typical of the era yields a decidedly potent, muscular Pinot. Most of the 2021’s here are quite refined, but Starscape is all about power and structural intensity. Dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, graphite, mocha and spice linger on the finish. This is a dazzling effort from Sean Capiaux.” Drinking window: 2026 - 2036
Appellation: 100% Russian River
Vineyard: 100% Starscape
Harvest date: September 28th
Brix @ harvest: 25.8
pH: 3.68
TA (g/1): 6.5
Bottling date: August 2019
Release date: Oct 2020
Aging: French oak (25% new) 11 months
Alcohol: 14.1
Production: 100 cases