Tasting Notes
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Our 2014 The Crusher Pinot Noir o ffers a fruit-forward nose, with nuanced notes of cranberry, cherry and warm spices. O ffering a well-proportioned expression of French oak aging with a palate of plum, tart cherry and savory herbs. The Clarksburg terroir is highlighted by earthy notes creating a rich palate. Lively and versatile our Pinot Noir lends itself to a bevy of food pairing opportunities. Try pairing this wine with a mushroom risotto or with something on the lighter side like herbed goat cheese pizza.
The Clarksburg AVA is an up and coming wine region located in California’s Sacramento Delta. The area was quickly discovered by grape growers attracted by a microclimate which closely mirrored that of nearby Napa Valley. The soils here are a combination of poorly-draining clay and rich loam, meaning vines experience nutrient-rich, yet sometimes arid conditions. During the growing season, warm days give way to cooling afternoon breezes from the San Francisco Bay, dropping temperatures down 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit from their daytime highs. This mass of cool air allows wine grapes to retain more acidity than those grown in similarly warm regions.
The majority of the blend was sourced from Wilson Vineyard, one of the first vineyards picked every year. It is the northernmost Clarksburg vineyard, and its proximity to the Sacramento River allows the grapes to fully ripen while maintaining their natural acidity. The Pinot Noir Dijon clones planted here are 115, 667 and 777, each bringing their own unique characteristic to the blend. These fruity and expressive Pinot Noir clones have smaller berries than other clones, resulting in a concentrated fruit pro file with earthy qualities.
The 2014 vintage was on par with the year prior, moderate rains came in early spring to start the growing season. Perfectly warm and dry weather persisted into the summer, with ideal temperatures and only a few heat spikes, providing for great harvest conditions. Clarksburg is a special place in California, winemakers and growers don’t need to worry about the statewide drought here due to the large ow of water coming through the Delta. This appellation is unique in the fact that if you dig four to six feet into the ground, you will find an abundance of water. The fruit that came o the vine in 2014 had developed great color, concentrated flavors and balanced structure and acidity.
For more than 115 years, the Sebastiani name has been synonymous with quality winemaking in Sonoma County. Likewise, the Wilson family has been growing grapes in the Clarksburg region south of Sacramento since 1922. Created in tribute to the multi-generational partnership these two well-regarded wine families have enjoyed, The Crusher is fittingly named for the point where the fruit of one family’s labors literally gives way to those of the other.
