Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Senses Wines is the dream of three childhood friends. Christopher, Max and Myles, who partnered with critically acclaimed winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown, to produce worldclass wines from renowned vineyards owned by their families. Since founding in 2011, Senses Wines production has grown to include many coveted vineyard sites throughout northern California. The estate vineyards are located in the West Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley, specifically just outside the town of Occidental where the three founders grew up. On the label, the second letter ‘e’ has been substituted with the number ‘3’ representing the three founders and the three wine senses of sight, scent and sip. They believe the vineyards are their greatest asset, and meticulously farm each vine so the winemaking process can be as hands-off as possible. This approach ensures complexity and finesse for each wine, vintage after vintage, and their stunning wines are testament to their dedicated passion.

THE VINTAGE:
A dry winter with below-average rainfall and a cool start to spring kept the vines dormant late into March. The spring months stayed dry and cool, slowing shoot growth and contributing to low yields and smaller berries. The fruit developed evenly with concentrated flavours, colour and texture. The 2021 harvest took place with favourable, temperate weather throughout the picking season.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The grapes for the MCM88 come from the famed vineyard formerly known as Keefer Ranch, which produces an exuberant single vineyard Pinot Noir, from the block originally farmed by Kosta Browne. The grapes come from a very special block, now known as Perry Ranch, which produces a bold style of Pinot Noir with great concentration and richness. Located in the heart of Green Valley, a sub-AVA of the Russian River Valley, Perry Ranch was planted in 1996 with clones Pommard 4, 114, 777 and 23, and the vineyard covers just over five hectares. Today, the ranch is managed by Steve and Joe Dutton; two acclaimed agriculturalists whose family has been farming in Sonoma for over a hundred years. The Green Valley AVA receives dense morning fogs, originating from the Petaluma Gap, which makes for cooler mornings than other regions of the Russian River Valley. The sandy-loam Goldridge soils provide excellent drainage. The fruit is sustainably grown and manually harvested.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The grapes were vinified in open top vats, and underwent whole-berry fermentation with wild, indigenous yeasts from the vineyard to fully express the terroir. Maturation lasted for 10 months in 100% French oak, 35% new, the remainder was second use. The wine takes its name from the initials of the three founders and their birth year.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
A rich, concentrated Pinot Noir with aromas of black raspberries and pomegranate layered with hints of lavender, rose oil and wild sage. Black fruits and mineral notes lead to an earthy finish with a floral lift.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Pinot Noir 100%.