TASTING NOTES
Between two ridges in the hills above Boonville in Anderson Valley, sits Lazy Creek’s Middleridge Ranch. Quiet and peaceful with warm, western winds in the afternoon, the flavors of these grapes are very fruit driven, but still possess the spice and minerality for which the valley is known. The 2016 Lazy Creek Middleridge Ranch Pinot Noir seduces with a perfumed nose of cherries, vanilla and licorice, followed by mouthwatering, juicy flavors of plum, pomegranate. Ripe, red currants on the mid palate are complemented by persistent cola and spice on the finish.

VINTAGE NOTES
Characterized by gentle and open rolling hills studded with large oak trees, Middleridge is a 160-acre ranch where 22 acres of well-regarded Pinot Noir clones are planted at 1,275-foot elevation. The 2016 growing season started with a warm spring and some much needed rain. Bloom occurred in late May with a very bountiful set. Summer weather was ideal with few heat spikes and a mild August that allowed for ideal ripening. September brought warmer days and pushed the grapes to optimal ripeness. Harvest began mid-September and finished October 1.

WINEMAKER NOTES
The Pinot Noir grapes are hand harvested and hand sorted in the field. Upon entering the winery, the grapes are gently destemmed and transferred to small bins and stainless steel, open-top fermentors. After a 3-day cold soak at 50 degrees Fahrenheit, various yeast strains are introduced to add complexity. Fermentors are punched down one to three times per day. Wines are pressed when dry and then racked to barrels to complete malolactic fermentation. The blend was assembled in July and bottled in August.

FOOD PAIRINGS
Our Lazy Creek Vineyards Middleridge Ranch Pinot Noir is a seductive, aromatic wine that pairs well with salmon, fowl and meat entrees such as beef bourguignon or rack of lamb.