2018 MonoClone Pinot Noir Set
The ultimate MonoClone® release of the Phenomenal 2018 vintage
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 Cooperage wines – MonoClone®.
This exclusive set of our MonoClone Pinot Noirs allows you to experience the distinct clonal differences and precise vinification of the phenomenal 2018 vintage. The wines in this set include:
- 2018 L'Espérance MonoClone Pinot Noir
- 2018 Renaissance MonoClone Pinot Noir
- 2018 Forêt MonoClone Pinot Noir
In addition to the prix-fixe set, you may also select any of these wines a la carte in any combination you desire.
The Phenomenal 2018 Vintage - The Reward from a Near-Perfect Growing Season - Long Awaited!
It is amazing how a great vintage can temporarily erase from the mind the havoc that climate change has thrown at us. Especially for those like Soliste who are committed to craft elegant and complex Pinot Noirs, the most fragile of all grapes. Our patience has finally been rewarded with a near-perfect growing season in 2018. Sorely-needed winter rains helped to replenish the lakes and groundwater (though our generational drought is far from over). A cooler spring favored timing for a later, more consistent fruit set, less susceptible to frost challenges. Summer temperatures were cooler and moderate, and favored larger yields. We aggressively dropped fruit to enable concentration, demonstrating our commitment to quality over quantity. After being on edge from the 2017 heat spikes the temperate conditions were a welcome relief. As a result, harvest was three+ weeks later than in 2017 allowing for more uniform flavor development and stem lignification essential for whole cluster vinification. We carefully monitored flavor development and acids, and as is our practice, used multiple picks to select specific blocks as they matured. It was as close to a perfect growing season as we have seen in our history as vignerons.
Click here to continue reading to learn more about:
- In 1098 the Cistercian Monks laid the foundation for naming the Burgundy crus
- The Duke of Burgundy and his decree safeguarding the quality of Burgundy wines
- Phylloxera destroys European vineyards in 1860
- In 1949 Raymond Bernard saved Pinot Noir and created Dijon Clones
- Really, over 1,000 clones of Pinot Noir?
