2016 Drew, Pinot Noir, Estate Field Selections, Mendocino Ridge.
Jason Drew’s cool climate Pinot masterpieces continues with his 2016 Estate Field Selections, it’s the third release from the Drew Estate Ranch, sitting on the far western coastal edge of the Mendocino Ridge on oceanic sedimentary deposits and gravelly loam soils, up at 1250 ft and just 3.3 miles from the Pacific, this vineyard is the coolest single vineyard in Drew’s collection. Blessed with a long growing season and heightened intensity, the estate wines are some of the most brilliant Pinot Noirs I’ve ever tasted, and as I have been saying for more than a few years now, Jason’s wines are some of the very best in California, I they without question offer some of the great value in Pinot Noir and Syrah period! This Estate Field Selections Pinot Noir, organically farmed, which is no easy task this close to the ocean, was crafted using traditional minimalist winemaking techniques, Drew employed about 40% whole cluster this vintage here with all native/natural yeast and it was unfined and unfiltered with just about 20% new French oak used, with the wine coming in at a very Burgundy like 13% natural alcohol, and even more impressive given the wines palate impact and depth, this is absolutely amazing stuff (again) from Jason Drew. Drew’s field selection estate vines include a series of clones, but this wine saw primarily Pommard, 667 and Mt. Eden clones which add to the wines complexity and charm, this site’s rocky underpinning has created the condition, along with the over ground influences has made for a special terroir which makes this wine sing. First, if you are lucky enough to get this or have it, give it another 3 to 5 years, it’s still way too young, if you feel the need to pop the cork, gently decanter it and give it at least an hour, best to try the second day honestly as it is so primal at this stage, but please note it is absolutely awesome and will be even more so in time! The palate is Grand Cru quality complex and with an array of Cote du Nuits like flavors, this is serious stuff here. It’s color is dark garnet and the nose, while shy opens to reveal earthy tones, floral highlights and wild berries before a medium bodied and brooding palate of black cherry, plum and currant fruits along with hints of dusty pebbles, tea spices, cinnamon, briar and a subtle tarry essence that reminds me a bit of young and tight Piedmontese Nebbiolo, but not in flavor, it’s more of personality impression and there is a thrilling sense of structure to this 2016 Drew Estate Field Selections Pinot that sets it apart, be patient with it, it’s a diamond in the rough at the moment, it’s like 2013 in power, but more similar to the 2014 vintage in raw underlying beauty. You cannot help but be awe struck by Drew’s wines these days, I kept this wine open for three days and the last sip was haunting, and showed a glimpse of the glorious future!
($60 Est.) 95+ Points, grapelive
