Quick Sip: Square Peg Winery 2014 SP-SL Block 8 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Hello Friends,
Today’s Quick Sip is Square Peg’s 2014 SP-SL Block 8 Pinot Noir. Square Peg is owned by Brad Alper, a former commercial pilot, and his wife Alanna Roth, an accomplished artist. Their SP-SL vineyard is named for Square Peg’s estate location on Stoetz Lane in western Sonoma County. This Russian River Valley site is co-located in two Sonoma County appellations: Green Valley and Sonoma Coast. These two regions are some of California’s most highly regarded viticultural areas for growing expressive Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Square Peg practices dry-farming, meaning no irrigation; they only rely on natural rainfall for growing wine grapes. This practice sets them apart from many of their neighbors. Dry-farming not only conserves water and energy, but many wine-growers say it produces more balanced, concentrated flavors. Wine-growers will also assert that dry-farming is the only truest way to express the unique character of the vineyard (or what we refer to as terroir). Square Peg is located five minutes from the town of Occidental and is a tasting room and art gallery, featuring bronze sculptures, mosaics, glass, and paintings by artist-in-residence, the aforementioned Mrs. Roth. Her artwork is stunning and can be viewed virtually at alanaroth.com. The Block 8 Pinot Noir is delicious and an excellent candidate for your dinner table. For further information and where you can find this wine, please check out my tasting notes below.
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| Square Peg 2014 SP-SL Block 8 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
Square Peg 2014 SP-SL Block 8 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (SRP $55): This delicious, dry-farmed estate-grown Pinot Noir is a blend of 80% 828 and 20% Calera clones. It pours a medium ruby-purple color. Inviting aromas redolent of black cherry, raspberry, and cranberry fill the nose. The aromas extend to the palate and are joined by notes of sweet savory spice and hints of incense. Medium-bodied and harmonious, this wine has a lovely mouth-feel with ripe tannins and a good lift of acidity providing energy from start to finish. This appealing wine would be an excellent addition to any dinner table. It is enjoyable now yet a good candidate for short to mid-term cellaring. Only 170 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Sonoma County, California. Other info: ABV 14.5%, 100% dry-farmed, un-fined & unfiltered, matured in Francois Freres and Tonnellerie Ô barrels, natural cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
