Gust Wines Pinot Noir 2021 (750ml)

Merits & Mentions
Double Gold | San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

This wine is sourced from two separate ranches within the Petaluma Gap, 15% Diamond Pile Vineyard and 85% Catapult Ranch. The two ranches are about five miles from each other but express different qualities from the Pinot Noir grown at each. Diamond Pile is at the South Western base of Sonoma Mountain and the vineyard faces Westward and is quite exposed. The soils are a little degraded here with a solid clay loam on top leading into a mixture of sand, gravel, and unweathered bedrock of rhyolite. The vines are naturally stressed 
from the exposure to fog and wind, and the planting of Dijon clones here gives naturally low yielding vines a lightness and ethereal quality. Catapult is at the Western base of Wildcat Mountain to the south and has more direct diablo clays onto rhyolitic bedrock. We have Heritage clones planted here and the vineyard is amongst undulating hills so the exposure is not as severe. Grapes have more structure and power with pure red fruits with touches of sauvage. 2021 was a warm year, starting with an early bud break time and full soil water capacity. The warm summer led to a mild Fall, with no rain, providing easy ripening of perfect fruit. Grapes are meticulously farmed, with shoots positioned, strong cluster thinning, hanging evenly with a low crop. Optimal ripeness came two weeks earlier than usual with early bud break, and a perfect 
growing season.