2020 Pinot Noir, Caracol

The 2020 Alma Rosa Caracol Pinot Noir is the first standalone wine to come from Block 9, a spiral-shaped hilltop block on our estate vineyard, El Jabali. Originally planted in 2013 by founder Richard Sanford, Block 9 is unique in that a variety of rootstocks and clones were used within this single block as a means of blending in the vineyard instead of the cellar. The Caracol was planted in a radiating pattern that appears like a snail’s shell from above and provides each row with a different orientation to the sun. Seven years later, this experiment proved to be a success as the block produced exceptional and distinctive fruit worthy of a single block bottling. Elegant yet powerful, the alluringly dark red 2020 Caracol Pinot Noir showcases notes of lilac, lavender, sage, pomegranate, black currants and a hint of menthol on the nose. On the palate, additional hints of both red and dark fruit are complemented by refreshing acidity and pronounced chalky tannins that lead to a seamless, long finish. Winemaker Samra Morris is thrilled with the debut release of the Caracol bottling, noting “this wine is perfect, ready to sip now or be enjoyed for years to come.”