Joseph Swan “Cuvée de Trois” Pinot Noir 2018

• Soil Type: The tapestry of vineyards, including the over 50-year-old Trenton Estate Vineyard, along with Trenton View, Saralee’s, Catie’s Corner, Ritchie, Solas, DNA, Great Oak, and Tilton Hill, boast a variety of soil compositions, from rich loams to gravelly alluvial deposits. This diversity contributes to the wine's intricate mineral undertones and nuanced flavor profile.

• Elevation: Nestled in the diverse microclimates of the Russian River Valley, each vineyard's elevation plays a critical role in the grape's development, providing a unique interplay of sunlight and cool Pacific fog, which ensures a slow maturation and the preservation of delicate aromatics and acidity.

• Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

• Winemaking: Each block from each vineyard is harvested and fermented separately, preserving the unique characteristics of each parcel. The use of 15-20% whole cluster fermentation, native yeasts, and manual punch-downs three times a day during peak fermentation in open-top fermenters speaks to the hands-on, artisanal approach to winemaking. The wine spends an average of 21 days on the skins, extracting a rich palette of flavors and tannins, followed by 10 months of aging in French oak barrels, a third of which are new, to add subtle complexity without overshadowing the wine's natural elegance.

• Farming Practices: Joseph Swan Vineyards is dedicated to organic farming practices, underscoring a commitment to environmental stewardship and the production of high-quality, sustainable wines. This approach ensures the health and longevity of the vineyards and the ecosystem they inhabit.

• Tasting Notes: The 2018 Cuvée de Trois offers a kaleidoscope of sensory experiences, beginning with alluring aromas of ripe red fruits, laced with nuances of spice and earth. The palate is treated to a sophisticated array of cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthy tones, woven together with a finesse that evokes the soft touch of an artist's brush. The texture is silky, with just enough tannin structure to provide depth, leading to a refined finish that lingers with a memory of oak and fruit.

• Pairing: This Pinot Noir's versatility makes it a perfect companion to a variety of dishes. Its elegance and balance complement the richness of duck, the subtle flavors of roasted pork, or the earthiness of a wild mushroom risotto, or a simple roasted chicken.

• About the Producer: With a production of just 2,223 cases, the Cuvée de Trois Pinot Noir is a showcase of Joseph Swan Vineyards' meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for the land. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, this wine is a pure reflection of the Russian River Valley's terroir, and the Swan family's dedication to sustainable, organic viticulture and expressive winemaking.

Enjoying this Pinot Noir is akin to experiencing a piece of Sonoma's winemaking heritage—a journey through the diverse landscapes and vineyards of the Russian River Valley, with each sip revealing another layer of its complex story. Plus, it’s Jerry Seinfeld’s favorite!