2012 Pinot Noir ~ Clone 667 Reserve

Our Clone Series was created to highlight the nuances that each Pinot Noir clone presents. What do we mean by “clone”? Grapevines in general, and Pinot Noir vines in particular, are genetically unstable and can mutate slightly over time. Each grape variety is actually made up of many subtypes, called clones. These clones can result in different flavors, intensity, color, etc. At Scheid Vineyards, we grow 20 different clones of Pinot Noir. Clone 667 is one of the Dijon clones, so named because of the return address on the shipping container that held the original imported cuttings from Burgundy. It is characterized by small berries, which results in a more intense color than many Pinot Noirs, and good tannin structure suitable for aging. Winemaker Dave Nagengast has crafted an intense wine that is also elegant and refined. Supple and layered, it has tons of bright red fruit aromas that interplay with oak, vanilla and subtle earth notes. On the palate, vivid flavors of black cherry and raspberry are wrapped with elegant silky tannins and a lush finish.