MGM 1.5 L 2017 Björnson Havlin Pinot Noir

Havlin Vineyard is situated on rolling hills south and west of our estate vineyard in the Van Duzer Corridor AVA.  We began purchasing fruit from Havlin Vineyard in 2016 to learn how the effects of marine sedimentary soils, sun and powerful Van Duzer winds influence Pinot noir.    We have been good friends of Jeff Havlin since 2007 when we met in viticulture class.  Jeff talked us into making a barrel pinot in our barn with our first fruit in 2009.  This wine, ‘Barn de Bjorn’ propelled us on our journey to make wine in addition to growing grapes. 

The 2017 vintage was our sixth-straight very warm year.  Fortunately, we had a lot of rain in the winter and late spring, leaving us plenty of ground moisture going into the growing season.  Early September started out very warm, but cooled down mercifully, with a couple of short rain events that helped slow down the sugar accumulation and allowed the fruit  "extra hang time" to achieve phenological ripeness.

This Pommard-driven wine is composed of notes of red raspberries and cherries, with notes of walnuts, pepper and cedar on the finish.  Intense color, bright acidity, and great structure reflect the influence of the Van Duzer Corridor AVA.

91 points, James Suckling

“Impressively composed aromas of red cherries and savory baking spices make for an alluring nose that leads to a smoothly delivered sweep of fine tannins that carry plush, smooth fruit flavors fine and long.  Drink over the next six years.” - James Suckling