The Grape Divide
All families squabble and ours is no exception. When it comes to which Double Bond Pinot Noir is the best, John and myself have waged wars and taken turns as victors. I was on one side with my 2010 and John with his 2011 on the other.
Although similar and undeniably related to the 2010, the 2011 Pinot had some distinct and vintage specific attributes. Attributes that were imprinted on each grape from the constantly fluctuating soil and all of the wondrous influences a growing season can do to its vines. Rain wreaked havoc on many a Californian winery during the 2011 harvest, particularly in Napa, but our astrophysicist turned 30+ year winemaker knew exactly what to do with our Central Coast Edna Valley grapes...
The 2011 is sophisticated. It is more elegant and Old-Worldly than sister vintages. It is the Classic Pinot Noir that every Pinot-phile envisions when they hear the word Burgundy.
The remarkable detail, stunning balance and alluring persistence will consistently invite you to your next sip.
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Each of the wines under the Double Bond banner are single-vineyard which is the gamble only the most confident wineries wager. As a true mark of quality in both technique and grapes, a single site will amplify the specific terroir with a parade of all its unique distinctions free from anything that might mask its flaws. It’s a good wine indeed that can dare you to find its faults and you finish the bottle diligently searching.
Hailing from one of the oldest vineyards in Edna Valley, Wolff Vineyards has pioneered numerous sustainable viticultural practices. It is one of the original SIP Certified (Sustainable in Practice) Vineyards in the growing call for responsible winemaking tillage.
This 125-acre ecologically-friendly grape covered estate features 37 acres of four Dijon Pinot Noir clones including 115 which has become the backbone of Californian Pinot Noir culture and 777, the clone that gives our Pinot the coveted velvet darkness that intrigues and entrances novices and enthusiasts alike.
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People Who Like the 2011 Pinot... Other Than John
CRITICAL ACCLAIM
95 Points - 1st at San Francisco Pinot Shootout's Pinot Summit
"Enormously complex and layered, this is not a wine that will appeal to everyone, but I love it. Vibrant and silky, it has scents of camphor, cocoa, cinnamon, candied cherry and a hint of forest floor."
Scott Clemens Epicurean Traveller
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94 Points & 3rd Out of 497 Pinots San Francisco Pinot Shootout- A varietal specific judging of 450-500 Pinot Noirs around the World meticulously and blindly judged twice over three months by 50 judges
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"Generous and very inviting range of aromas offering bright Bing cherry and freshly picked ripe cherry followed nicely by accents of cocoa, cinnamon, and well proportioned barrel notes. Palate is equally complex with the aromatic profile well stated in the beautifully layered palate. The addition of blueberry shows nicely. Just enough earth and forest floor to keep it real. The fine-grained tannins lend a silkiness to the long, graceful, and well-balanced finish. Lots to like here."
Judges San Francisco Pinot Shootout The Most Comprehensive Pinot Noir Competition in the World
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"2011 Double Bond Pinot; the best vintage from one of the top California Pinot producers. I’ve blind tasted this against Selyem, Peter Michael, and Aubert and it consistently comes out on top at 1/2 the price. This is a real Burgundy-lovers Pinot with Old-World style bouquet and mouthfeel. The taste profile is rich and savory with beautifully integrated tannins. At 8 years old, it’s really at peak time to drink, although I think this can easily go for another several years. If you are a Pinot lover, don’t miss this one."
David Burdick Pinot Aficionado & Club Member
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A Note About Age
It is true this isn’t the young 2016 Pinot Noirs on most winery lists… and I think that is why you are a part of Double Bond. You are a part of the movement to enjoy wines based on their maturity and not their age.
Traditional wine regions are encouraged to age their Pinots considerably longer than most people on the West Coast are accustomed to. There are many reasons for the New World's high turn over of vintages, but speed to roll over to the next year as quickly as possible has never been included in our winemaking philosophy.
Although we specialize in Central Coast varietals, we deliberately design them to be aged like their classic ancestors, where Pinots are allowed to age 10 years and beyond according to their potential. Our wines barrel age for up to 24 months and bottle age a minimum of two years and often longer. The 2011 is drinking perfectly now.
John Klacking PhD Founder & Vintner