North America | California | Thomas Fogarty | Rapley Trail Vineyard Pinot Noir

Rapley Trail Vineyard Pinot Noir

VARIETAL
Pinot Noir (Martini Clone, AxR1 rootstock)

NOTES
VINEYARD: Rapley Trail (including fruit from Henry Ayrton's Block & M block, which are subdivisions of the Rapley Trail Vineyard.) A 6 acre vineyard with an average elevation of 1650ft above sea level, with a southeastern exposure on a very steep slope - 10 miles away from the ocean.

VINE AGE: Planted in 1983

SOIL: Lambert Shale

FARMING: A combination of organic, sustainable and biodynamic practices.

VINIFICATION: Native primary fermentation & malolactic. 19 months in French oak.

TASTING NOTES: The Rapley Trail is very unique with its intense incense/NorthAfrican spice character. Structured to age gracefully, but always powerful wine.The press fraction was seperated at the press, and was not to include it in the final bottling. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

PRESS & RATINGS:
96 Points - VInous: "The 2013 Pinot Noir Rapley Trail Vineyard is one of the most compelling, thrilling wines I have tasted from Fogarty. Expressive floral and savory aromatics burst from the glass, followed by equally exuberant dark fruit. Sweet, perfumed and totally explosive, the Rapley is simply magnificent in the way it captivates all the senses. Lavender, menthol and sweet spices add nuance on the brilliant finish. Even with all of its intensity, the 2013 remains gracious and light on its feet. The 45% whole clusters are nicely integrated. Although Fogarty bottles a number of single-block wines from Rapley Trail, I find this wine the most complete of them all, at least today. The 2013 was done entirely in neutral oak, which may be one of the reasons the wine is showing so well. Sadly, there are just 112 cases to go around. Readers who can find the 2013 should not miss it.." Drink 2017-2025. -Antonio Galloni (7/2015)