The Clark & Telephone Vineyard was established in 1972 and planted with its root Martini clone vines. Located just 13 miles from the ocean and on a west-facing slope, this vineyard experiences weather patterns that pull from west to east to bring cool fog and coastal breezes inland until August, when Santa Ana winds begin.
Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir grape was harvested early in the morning so the fruit would arrive at the winery while the grapes were still cool to preserve their vineyard-fresh flavors. After destemming (but not crushing) the berries, the must was cold-soaked for 14 days to soften the skins and allow for ideal extraction. During the fermentation of closed and open-top stainless steel fermenters, they used punch-down and pump-over techniques to extract color and phenolics. The wine was aged 100% French oak (60% new) for up to 12 months. After the wine underwent malolactic fermentation, it was racked twice before bottling.
Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir is deep purple with flecks of garnet in color and lavish aromas of warm blackberry pie, raspberry, licorice, and white pepper. Bold and sophisticated on the palate with flavors of dry cherry, crushed lavender, and chocolate-covered blueberries. The texture is rich and velvety, which leads to a long, structured finish.