The vineyard Ma Danseuse, French for “my dancer,” is named in honor of Lady Michael by Sir Peter, who fondly remembers how they first met. Situated between 1,000 and 1,500 feet (305 to 457 meters) above sea level on steep mountain slopes, the vineyard faces east and northeast. It benefits from both the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean over the ridges to the west and the mild sunny mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt, and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannins, body, and a hint of graphite-mineral. Ma Danseuse is the most feminine of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
With a shimmering, dark garnet hue, the 2021 ‘Ma Danseuse’ showcases a gorgeous display of rose petals, black cherry, strawberries, and black raspberries with subtle hints of clove, graphite, and vanilla. A polished, round entry builds to well-integrated tannins in the late midpalate and a soft finish. The wine is structured with impressive density and flesh with great length.
96-98 points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate) "The 2021 Pinot Noir Ma Danseuse was made using destemmed grapes and matured in 40% to 50% new French oak. Tasted as a finished barrel sample a week before it was racked to tank and bottled, it is already harmonious and perfumed. Medium ruby-purple, it has a deep core of red cherries, cranberry sauce, blood orange and potpourri on the nose, opening to pure wafts of forest floor and lavender as it spends time in the glass. The medium-bodied palate explodes with concentrated, spicy red fruit and boasts loads of spicy, autumnal accents. Silky and mouthwatering, it has a long, latent finish that suggests it will develop gracefully in the cellar over the next 10-15 years. (Feb 2023)"
