Winemaker's Notes
Sourced from 2 vineyard sources within the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, southwest of the city of Sebastopol, in an area known as the Sebastopol Hills. Located just 9 miles from the Pacific Ocean and featuring the ideal sandy loam soils, which make for an ideal climatic for beautiful expressive, cool-climate Pinot Noir. These 2 western sloping vineyards feature Calera, Swan, Dijon 777 and Pommard 4 clones, all of which complement each other in the final blend. The Pinot Noir grapes were harvested at night, hand sorted and gently de-stemmed to small open-top fermenters. After a 7 day “cold soak” to extract maximum fruit character, and gentle maceration through fermentation, the wine was drained without pressing and aged in 35% new French oak barrels for 16 months.
History
Canepa Koch Wine Cellars is a partnership between Mark Canepa and Neil Koch. Together Mark and Neil have over 25 years of wine industry experience. Mark and Neil have known each other since 2004 and both were recruited by Seguin Moreau (Cooperage in Napa Valley) and they both took Sales positions. They quickly realized that if they combined their skills and resources they could launch something exciting. Their goal is to create wines that are well rounded, enjoyable and affordable.
Mark has been in the wine business since 2004 and since 2010 with Seguin Moreau, one of the premiere cooperages in the world. He works daily with winemakers in the Napa Valley and greater bay area to select the specific Oak barrels for their wines.
Neil has over 12 years of wine industry experience including 6 years working in the production side. He trained under Philip Melka at Seavey Vineyards, Bryant Family and Vineyard 29. Based on his winemaking background he was appointed as the Enologist and Assistant Winemaker at Lewis Cellars where he facilitated the production of highly acclaimed Napa Valley Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay. Neil has also produced Pinot Noir under “The Line Wines” Label.
