September 1, 2021
By rackhouse
District 7 is all that Monterey as a wine-growing region has to offer. The number refers to our official regional designation within the state of California, but District 7 is much more than just a prime number. Most experts recognize Monterey County as one of the most beautiful and diverse wine-growing regions in the world with complex soils and coastal weather patterns.
Of all the grape varieties, Pinot Noir is perhaps the most sensitive to its terroir. It responds to every fold in the earth and every suggestion in the weather. Scheid Vineyards harvest 100% of this Pinot Noir from sites located on the northern benches of Monterey’s Salinas Valley. Here the cool, windy, foggy conditions produce wines of great character, texture, and structure.
Each of their estate vineyards is harvested block by block based on flavor and ripeness rather than statistical analysis. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were destemmed, crushed, and fermented in open-top fermenters. Regular punch-downs of the cap over the 2-3 weeks of fermentation and maceration ensured full extraction of the color and flavors. The wine was aged with a combination of new (25%) and seasoned (75%) oak to retain the fruit and enhance complexity.
The 2018 Pinot Noir delivers the subtle elegance that can only come from sustainably farmed, cold-climate vineyards. Key aromatics include cherries, plums, and raspberries with notes of mocha, vanilla, and smoky oak. The palate is rich, smooth, and silky with a lingering bright red fruit finish. This is the perfect wine to serve with salmon, pork, lamb, or soft cheeses.
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