Vineyard

The 2020 vintage marks the 46th consecutive year Tulocay has purchased Pinot Noir from the Haynes Vineyard. This old-vine Pinot Noir, planted in 1968, is a rarity in Napa Valley, and it consistently produces wines of great elegance and finesse. The low-yielding vines are the old Martini selection, brought to Napa from the great vineyards in Burgundy by Louis Martini Sr. 

The cool-climate Haynes Vineyard, located in the Coombsville AVA, is ideal for Pinot Noir ripening. The unique soil also helps produce wines of distinction. The Haynes Vineyard sits in a concentrated pocket of alluvial gravel, cobblestone, and volcanic ash, resulting in excellent drainage and mineral-rich soils. These factors have allowed Tulocay to produce noteworthy and ageworthy Pinots for many decades. 

Winemaking
After a hand-harvest, we destemmed the majority of the fruit, reserving 25 percent for whole cluster fermentation. After a three-day cold soak, fermentation kicked off, with twice daily punchdowns. We gently pressed at dryness in a traditional horizontal basket press, and sur-lie aged the wine in 80 percent neutral and 20 percent new French oak. The wine was never racked during its 11 months in barrel and is bottled without fining or filtration.

Winemaker’s Notes
Aromatics show classic Haynes rose petal, perfumey notes of strawberry, rose petal, and cedar on the nose. The flavors continue on the palate, where soft fruit is supported by the balanced acidity and fine grain tannins. A supple and complex Pinot that continues to evolve in the glass. 

Wine Specs
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard/Appellation: Haynes Vineyard, Coombsville AVA, Napa Valley
Harvest: 9.4.2020
Bottle Date: 7.10.2021
pH: 3.6
Alcohol: 12.8
RS: < 1 g/l (bone dry)
Production: 51 cases
Winemaker: Brie Cadman