Patz & Hall 2013 Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir
Patz & Hall was founded in 1988 by four individuals; Donald Patz, James Hall, Anne Moses and Heather Patz. Together, they have turned Patz & Hall into one of California’s premier wineries, with a renowned portfolio of single-vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. The seeds for Patz & Hall were planted in the 1980s when assistant winemaker James Hall and national sales manager Donald Patz struck up a close friendship while working together at Flora Springs Winery and Vineyards. The two discovered a mutual enthusiasm for a rich and compelling style of wine made by applying traditional winemaking techniques to fruit from elite, small vineyards. Inspired to combine their winemaking and sales talents, James and Donald joined with partners Anne Moses and Heather Patz, to establish Patz & Hall in 1988.
The 2013 had 15% whole clusters and shows a Rich Ruby red color (the color was gleaming) with aromas of sweet red fruit, earthy herb and spices. The 100% Pinot Noir wine was aged on French oak, (65% new) before bottling. On the palate, the wine was medium+ in weight and displayed a central focus of red fruit, sweet raspberry, cherry, cranberry and currants. The Pinot Noir showed refined velvet tannins surrounded by lively acidity and a touch of earthy minerals and spice, giving the wine a tremendous depth and balance. This is a very elegant wine that had great length on the finish. Extraordinary!
Cheers!