2022 Capiaux Starscape Pinot Noir

Russian River

10% whole cluster, 5-day cold soak. Uninoculated fermentation in open top tank with Pulsair (cap management using compressed air) and traditional punch downs. 13-day total maceration, secondary malolactic fermentation in barrel and aged sur lie 11 months until bottling without fining or filtration. No nutrient additives.

Starscape Vineyard, formerly Mark West Vineyard and then Floodgate Vineyard, located in the Northern part of Russian River Valley bordering Mark West Creek is within the unofficial sub-region known as Middle Reach. Planted in 1971, these old Martini clone vines are among the oldest known Pinot Noir in Russian River. The effects of annual flooding mark these craggy, thick 53-year-old vines yielding less than a ton an acre. The soil type is Laniger loam, typically found in flood plains, with a Yolo loam over-wash. I’m so pleased with the unique character and striking quality this old vineyard delivers.

In the glass, a medium dark red core…deeper center than the others of this vintage.

Good earthy intensity on the nose blended with brown sugar, cranberry and a little sasparilla (the American version!). A pretty lavender note hovering.

Vibrant blue and black fruit with the sweet/tartness of boysenberry. A lingering finish hinting of maple syrup. Great structure for aging.

Fermentation: 11% whole cluster, 5-day cold soak. Uninoculated fermentation in open top tank with Pulsair (cap management using compressed air) and traditional punch downs. 12-day total maceration, secondary malolactic fermentation in barrel and aged sur lie 11 months until bottling without fining or filtration. No nutrient additives.

Reviews:
Vinous/Galloni 93 Pts "The 2022 Pinot Noir Starscape handled the rigors of the growing season admirably. Potent and deep, with notable resonance, the 2022 offers up an exotic mélange of dark cherry, plum, spice, lavender, new leather, licorice and gravel. The darker side of Martini clone Pinot comes through in this resonant, super-expressive offering." Drinking Window: 2023 – 2032; Reviewed December 2023

Appellation:    100% Russian River
Vineyard:      100% Starscape
Harvest date:  September 8th               
Brix @ harvest: 25.4
pH:                  3.73
TA (g/1):           5.5
Bottling date:  August 2023
Release date:  September 2024
Aging:           French oak (30% new)   11 months       
Alcohol:           14.1
Production:      146 cases