Chalone Estate is the oldest producing vineyard in Monterey County. It is also the only winery operating within the Chalone AVA. The vines are subjected to huge diurnal temperature swings (hot days and cool nights) often exceeding 50F in range. The soils here are a very poor mixture of limestone and granite with almost no top soil. This stresses the vines yielding low crop levels and powerful mineral qualities in the wines. This Pinot Noir is sourced from some of the oldest vines on the property that are planted to a mixture of heritage clones. Winemaker’s Notes: “Our 2016 Estate Pinot Noir is bright ruby red in color and known for its layered flavors and complexity. It opens with juicy ripe raspberry and plum notes balanced out by hints of forest floor and warm toasty baking spice on the finish. A unique minerality neatly ties up all of these elements as a result of mature vineyards and ancient limestone soils that run through the Chalone AVA.”