2021 DK Grail ‘Campbell Ranch’ Pinot Noir

DEC97 Dan Kosta’s Convene wines are aged in 30% new oak, while his elevated DK label is closer to 50% for 15 months and encompasses specific blocks or barrel selections from single vineyards. Campbell Ranch vineyard in the Russian River Valley is the winery’s largest holding, with clones 777 and 115. There’s more power and intensity to these single vineyard wines. A wonderful minty freshness mingles with crushed river stones, white pepper, and intriguing umami notes. Medium to full-bodied with very present, substantial tannins that have beam-like qualities, a bit sappy and balanced by mocha notes. The entire wine has a broad feeling on the palate and builds with spicy richness. It’s layered with dense black cherry, pomegranate, spiced plums, and blood orange fruits, which have real staying power. The long finish is marked by warming brown sugar spices, toffee, and espresso beans. Plenty of heft balanced by great tension. 503 cases made.
WE95 Aromas of macerated cherries, strawberries, cinnamon and clove jump from the glass of this powerful Pinot. The palate brings waves of raspberry liqueur and licorice flavors in a muscular, but balanced framework. Give this a few years in the cellar and it will blossom. *Cellar Selection*
Estate Notes: Campbell Ranch has held a very special place in my heart since 2013 when we used the fruit from the coastal vineyard for the first time. I’ve always been intrigued by the subtle complexity that the vineyard offers. 2021 was a fairly intense vintage, boasting broad red and black fruit. What is unique about this land– other than the complex fruit– are the savory undertones that make one think about the nuances of the wine and how fruit meets earth. Hints of pine needle and earthiness compliment the juicy complexity of the dark fruit, making for a profile that covers the entire palate through the long, dusty finish.