2019 Blair Estate Pinot Noir "The Reserve", Delfina's Vineyard
Friends,
“Reserve” is a title that is thrown around pretty liberally in the wine industry, often without a whole lot of meaning. Most terms on a wine label have solid statistics or legal requirements behind them. For the wine to be called Pinot Noir, it needs to be at least 75% of that varietal. To list an official AVA like Arroyo Seco, at least 85% of the grapes have to come from within that appellation’s boundaries. But “Reserve” in the U.S. has no such definition, no required components. For the most part, it is simply a marketing moniker.
Until now. “The Reserve” is Blair Estate’s ultimate Pinot Noir. Everything about this wine is exceptional. “The Reserve” designation here has real meaning. Simply put, it is hand selected from the very best vines each vintage – held in “reserve” for special treatment and special occasions.
Here’s an excerpt from my vineyard log book from the 2019 vintage: “November 5. Walking Delfina’s, I left the refractometer behind and hand sampled for the very best grapes. Trusting my palate, I selected just enough fruit for four barrels worth of truly exceptional Pinot Noir. Clone 115 came from rows 13-14. Rows 69 & 70 gave us Clone 777. Clone 667 came from row 43. Pommard 4 off the south block row 75 - 79. Clone 828 from row 23 thru 26. Clone 943 from rows 5,7,8 &10 and "DRC" clone from rows 16 thru 18.” These were the grapes destined for this “The Reserve” release.
Only 120 cases were produced of Blair Estate 2019 “The Reserve.” .
Respectfully, Jeffrey Blair
"A lighter hue and slightly bricking in the glass, this bottling offers tart cherry and ample singed sage aromas with a forest floor dankness. The Palate is gamy and sour with cranberry and light petrol flavors." Matt kettmann
88 Points Wine Enthusiast Magazine
90 Points Gold American Fine Wine "The Invitational"
Gold - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Silver - Houston "Rodeo Uncorked" Wine Competition
Silver - Fort Worth "Vine 2 Wine" Wine Competition
Price: $70.00
Members: $56.00