Two delicious Pinot Noir from the Meyer Family Vineyards estate on McLean Creek Road. A field blend made with all grapes picked on one day and all clones co-fermented. The other Pinot was more traditionally made with each clone picked at optimal ripeness and fermented separately.
First some background information on the McLean Creek Road Vineyard and then the winemaking and tasting notes.
McLean Creek Road Vineyard
The estate “McLean Creek Road Vineyard” was originally planted in 1994. The vineyard is within the Okanagan Falls sub-geographical indication (sub-Gi) which was designated in 2018 and recognized as being geologically unique in the production of wine grapes. It has a predominantly steep southerly aspect with the soil comprised of alluvial and glacial deposits making up a mix of gravel and sandy loams.
The Pinot Noir blocks are planted with a Pommard clone (91) and 4 Dijon clones (114, 115, 667, 777) and are planted in three distinct blocks on the 20-acre property (16-acres planted). The largest of these blocks has a steep southerly aspect to capture the full range of the sun, the second block has a gently sloping westerly aspect giving a slightly higher temperature from the afternoon sun, and the third and coolest of the blocks has a gentle northwest aspect.
“Our philosophy is to manage each block separately and treat each vine individually. Although we are not certified organic, we practice sustainable farming principles.”
JAK Meyer, Proprietor
Meyer McLean Creek Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022 ($37.48)
At the winery, the fruit was gently de-stemmed via gravity into small open-top fermenters and allowed to cold soak. After cold soaking, an indigenous yeast fermentation began lasting two weeks and peaking at 32 degrees Celsius, with gentle hand plunging of the must throughout.
After a post-maceration, the wine was transferred to 100% French oak barrels (25% new) where it remained for 11 months. A natural malolactic fermentation occurred in late spring. The Pinot Noir is unfined and unfiltered.
Alcohol 13.5% / pH: 3.69 / TA: 6.5
Aromas of ripe dark cherries with earthy undertones and a hint of oak. A medium-bodied Pinot Noir with flavours of ripe cherries and forest floor. The palate is broad and silky smooth and is enlivened with acidity and dusty tannins. The Pinot exhibits layers of complexity and depth of flavour. A long lingering finish. 94 points.
Meyer “B” Field Blend Pinot Noir 2022($31.39)
For the “B” Field Pinot Noir four clones are used, three Dijon clones (115, 667, 777) and a cutting taken from the block designated “Old Block”, which is an unknown clone. The four clones were picked on the same day and co-fermented in the traditional field blend way.
Translucent ruby in colour with aromas of cherries with earthy undertones. A medium-bodied Pinot Noir with flavours of ripe cherries, forest floor and a touch of oak. A smooth, easy-drinking Pinot with soft tannins and a long finish. 92 points.
Both wines are outstanding – well-balanced, with good length, intensity and concentration.
Here is the link to buy these Pinot Noirs – Meyer Family Vineyards website