Blending wine is a fun and challenging experience, even more so in a difficult vintage like 2011 in California. In fact, 2011 will go down in history as one of California's most challenging vintages in recent past.

Two days ago our ABC wine committee was pleasantly surprised by the quality of 16 barrel samples of 2011 base wines from Laetitia winery in Central Coast California. 

This was Eric Hickey's, winemaker for Laetitia, third blending session at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits headquarters; the first was for the 2010 Laetitia Harvest Moon Ranch Reserve Pinot Noir.

Eric selected 16 of the winery's 60+ blocks, the better tier for the 2011 Reserve Pinot Noir. Of those, our committee of 6 narrowed the  choices to 5 base wines.

 Just a few trials and tweaks to get the right percentages and what each of the base wines brings to the final blend, and we had the final product.

 The final blend exhibits bright ruby color and aromas and flavors of black cherries, blueberries and cranberry jam; medium-bodied, with great balance and depth and a long lasting finish.

I can say with confidence that the 2011 Harvest Moon Ranch Reserve Pinot Noir from Laetitia will be one of the vintage’s top Pinot Noirs.  When it comes in, you'll have to tell us how we did.

Atanas Nechkov, Wine Supervisor Central Florida

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