2007 Ici La-Bas “Les Reveles” Pinot Noir

Fantastic Pinot Noir by wine rock star Jim Clendenen! One of my favorites. PURCHASE Ici La-Bas HERE

Anderson Valley is located in the coastal mountains of California in Mendocino County. This area was pioneered by Louis Roderer; he was looking for a grape growing region which had cold winter and a short mild growing season similar to Champagne. The Elke Vineyard is on the warmer southern end of the Anderson Valley, close to Boonville. The vineyard was planted more than twenty years ago, and is mainly selections of Pinot Noir of historical importance. Ici/La-Bas has been sourcing fruit from Tom and Mary Elke’s vineyard near Boonville since 1997.

Winemaking: The grapes arrived at winery in perfect condition and very cold. This allowed for a 4 day “cold soak” to extract the water-soluble fruit driven components from the must. During the 14 day fermentation the must was punched down twice a day. After completion of fermentation the wine was pressed, lightly settled and barreled down into 75% new Francois Freres barrels. The wine was kept in these barrels until March of 2009. The flavor foundation of the superb, expensive French barrels is one of the most important components of the ICI/LA-BAS wine style.

Wine-Rich, leesy aromas of strawberries and cream are the first impressions. The hallmarks of the Elke Pinot are its fine persistent finish and concentrated texture. First impressions are followed by a cascade of evolving flavors and perceptions.

Drinkability: Short term drinkers will find the wine fresh and intense and could be a great match for wild salmon. Longer term cellaring will reveal secondary aromas of herbs and hints of harder spice.