2021 Mueller Pinot Noir, "August Recher", Russian River Valley
Bob's Notes:
August Recher was my maternal grandfather, who lived his life in a small Swiss village, Ziefen (population less than 1,000), in Switzerland. August had a small distribution business selling supplies to local farmers, but the majority of his time was spent in his brandy distillery, located near his house on his property. The distillery was fitted with fermentation tanks and gleaming solid copper stills which filled the air with the ethereal vapors of cherry, plum, pear, and apple fruit brandies. We thought it only appropriate to honor August by placing his name on one of his grandsons' wines!
Our 2021 "August Recher" Pinot Noir differs from all of the other Mueller pinots in one major respect: it is not based on a Dijon clone of Pinot Noir. Instead it gets its character from a clone known as Wädenswil 2A, which originated in the town of Wädensvil, Switzerland. The 2A clone that is used for this wine is planted within sight of the Russian River and is often cooled by summer fog during the growing season. The grapes develop a deep, dark, (almost black) skin color and maintain acid for the fresh, fruity character that we love.
We are excited to release our 2021 "August Recher" Pinot Noir that differs from previous vintages in two interesting ways:
• this vintage was produced using both Swiss Wädensvil clones: 2A and 23
• this wine was fermented with a Swiss clone of yeast for a gentle, cool, long fermentation
The 2021 wine finished fermentation in barrels, giving it the intense aromas of dark fruit paired with gentle, toasty French oak. Enjoy blueberry, blackberry, rose and a hint of Concord grape. It possesses a full, generous body with soft, rich round tannins to enhance the plum and cherry flavors. Crisp acid balance keeps you coming back for another sip.