2012 Forêt Pinot Noir
Our fascination with the great red Burgundies comes from the singular aromatics and complexities that are born in unique vineyards but a few kilometers apart. It is why we undertook the challenge and risk to focus on each specific clone of Pinot Noir that is best in harmony with each vineyard site – our Single Vineyard, Single Clone, and Single Cooperate wines – MonoClone®.
Forêt comes from a magnificent secluded vineyard near Occidental. The hillside vineyard has a northeastern exposure, a very steep slope, and is in the middle of a spectacular redwood forest. Just 6 miles from the Pacific Ocean on the western coastal range, is perhaps the most visually stunning vineyard which we are entrusted – the depth of aromatics and spice in Forêt is a pure reflection of this truly unique vineyard’s site, slope, climate, and clone.
Tasting Notes
Le Regard / The Look
Stunning depth and clarity, Deep ruby density, extremely unctuous and refined.
Le Nez / The Nose
Opulent aromas of sweet caramelized wild cherries, plums, and sous-bois (forest floor) interlaced with fennel tones, dusty rose petals, espresso grounds, and coco nibs. As the wine evolves in the glass or decanter, the aromatics become more focused and herbal, with dark cherry compote aromatics spiked with anise, superbly elegant and powerful, adding bitter chocolate and redwood needles.
Degustation / The Taste
The palate delivers a decadent explosion of blackberry/pomegranate compote spiked with bitter caramel. Stewed blueberries in tight layers of coriander, cardamom and black tea, elevate the front palate. This is a wine of dense character, firmly structure with beautifully perfumed fruit. The mid-palate is positively earthy (oh, Vosne Romanee here you come), musty sous-bois (forest floor), mushrooms, and fresh herbal aromatics, accented by elegant wood tones. The tannins are luxuriously enveloped in this velvety fruit ripeness, which gives way to bright fresh fruit natural acidity of tart raspberries creating a focused long finish. Foret is an ethereal Pinot noir that will age magnificently.
14.0% alc. 241 cases
