2022 Pinot Noir, Colorado – 92pts Decanter Magazine, May 2023
Winemaker
Ben Parsons
Grapes
100% Pinot Noir, Hawks’ Nest Vineyard
Vineyard
At 6,800 feet in elevation the Hawks’ Nest Vineyard is just below the top rim of the Montezuma Valley outside of Dolores, Colorado. It has a southwest slope towards the 9,984 foot Sleeping Ute Mountain. Insuring good cold air drainage, there is a 100ft drop in elevation from top to bottom in the vineyard. The soils are primarily Wetherill Loam that were the preferred soils for dry farming for thousands of years in this area because of their water holding capacity. Across the valley to the south is Mesa Verde National Park creating some of the most beautiful vistas in SW Colorado.
Winemaking Notes
Hand harvested on October 10th. Destem to 1.5t open fermenters and pumped over 2x per day. Press directly to 3yr old French Oak, Medium +.
Tasting Notes
Interwoven with cranberry, strawberry and darker berry undertones, with a tart, savory edge of black tea and forest floor. The oak is both prominent and spiced, adding hints of toffee and more richness.
Numbers
RS: <0.1gl/ Alc: 13.6%/ pH: 3.4/ TA: 6.5gl
Case Production
450
