Pale ruby color; black cherry, cherry cola, pomegranate, strawberry, Macintosh apple, tobacco, earth, vanilla, oak spice on the nose and palate.
Dry; smooth, refined tannins; balancing acidity (3.73 pH). Medium body; creamy mid-palate, impressive length. Touch of gaminess. This is 100% estate grown, sustainably farmed fruit in the High Valley AVA in Lake County, California. Grapes harvested in early morning to preserve freshness. Vineyard blocks fermented in separate stainless steel tanks, then moved to neutral French, American, and Hungarian oak for malolactic conversion. Wine then blended and finished in 40% new French oak. Unfined but filtered at bottling. 13.25% ABV
Jerry Brassfield purchased the original 1,600 acres of the estate as a cattle ranch and wildlife preserve in 1973. Over the next 30 years, he acquired additional contiguous property. Today, Brassfield Estate includes more than 5,000 acres on both the eastern and western sections of High Valley, as well as the Round Mountain volcano. The High Valley AVA is sub-region of the Lake Country growing region and the Clear Lake AVA. Clear Lake, California’s largest natural lake is in the center of the AVA. The region boasts the cleanest air in the state.
In 1998, Brassfield investigated different sections of the wildlife-cattle ranch operation to see if there was a potential for producing estate-grown wine. Vineyard development started in 2001. The project has grown into a state-of-the-art farming operation and winemaking facility. Vineyards are impressively high for California—1,800 to 3,000 feet. Megan Anderson is the winemaker. Francisco Dominguez is the cellar master.
The website describes the property: “Brassfield Estate Winery & Vineyards are located in the western section of High Valley at High Serenity Ranch on a truly distinctive and remarkable winegrowing property. Our valley floor vineyards sit at 1800 ft. elevation. The higher vineyard blocks rise to nearly 3000 ft. The temperature fluctuation on this unique property is always one of the most amazing experienced in California.”
From the beginning, the operation has emphasized responsible respect for the land and wildlife. The website notes: “We take stewardship of the land and of the creatures in and above it seriously. We have provided a flyway and refuge for thousands of ducks and other waterfowl on the Brassfield Estate lands. These preservation efforts form a connection between our history and the type of sustainable conscientiousness that ensures our future.”
Brassfield Estate Winery Pinot Noir, High Valley Appellation 2022 is a compelling high elevation, cool-climate, fruit-forward pour. Elegant, clean, lean structure. Avoids heaviness sometimes found in California PN. Stylish presentation of High Valley AVA fruit punches above its affordable price point. $27-32
Pairing—Salmon is classic, grilled, roasted, pan-seared; tuna, swordfish, cod, especially with herb or light wine reductions. Duck, roasted, duck confit, duck breast. Roasted chicken with thyme, bay leaf, or fresh parsley; chicken with mushrooms. Pork tenderloin, chops, pork shoulder. Wild mushrooms, morels, chanterelles, porcini; mushroom risotto. Cheese—Soft, creamy cheese, brie, camembert; aged, nutty, gruyère, comté; havarti, cantal; goat cheeses. Avoid overly strong or sharp cheeses, blue cheeses, pungent washed-rind cheeses.
Brassfield Estate Winery website
