Oppenlander Vineyard is a 20-acre Pinot Noir plot located in the middle of the Redwood Forest. Only 8 miles from the coast, the property’s microclimate supports Pinot Noir and is one of the latest-ripening vineyards in California according to winemaker Greg La Follette. The wine shows both red and black fruit tones, along with a pencil shaving accent and black pepper earthiness. Despite the longer ripening period, Oppenlander’s fruit retains its natural bright acidity. The wine is masculine with power and earthy fortitude driving the structure. This is a wonderfully complex wine and Marchelle has really outdone themselves in this unique single-vineyard Pinot Noir.
Marchelle, Mendocino County (California) Pinot Noir 2020
By Vince Simmon