THE JEFFERSON CLUB - APRIL 2020
This month, for Just A Taste’s Jefferson Club, we’re going to one of Eric’s favorite vineyards in California, the Savoy Vineyard with Cliff Lede’s FEL Savoy Pinot Noir!
FEL SAVOY VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2017
Producer: Cliff Lede
Winemaker: Ryan Hodgins
Region: USA, California, Anderson Valley, Savoy Vineyard
Grape Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Viticulture: clay, sandy loam, sandstone
Method: 39% New French oak barrels for 12-14 months
Serving Suggestions: decant and serve at 60-65 F, serve with pork or lean meat
Age: drink 2020-2030
Nose: dark red fruits, mint, cola, spice
Palate: medium-plus body with lush, tight tannins and raised acidity
Finish: deep blueberry and black raspberry flavors mingle with spice, cola, and mint
Cliff Lede
Cliff Lede began his eponymous estate in 2002 and quickly became known for classic, old-world influenced Napa Valley Cabernet from Stag’s Leap AVA; however, his vision turned towards crafting character-filled Pinot Noir in Anderson Valley with his purchase of the Savoy Vineyard and Breggo winery.
The Savoy Vineyard
“Heady aromatics of black currant, rose water, and blueberries leap from the glass of this intensely perfumed Pinot noir. Exotic flavors of tamarind, marionberry, and cola mingle with hints of coffee, mint, and violet. The mouth is layered and richly textured, with a long, silky palate that leads to a long finish.”
The Savoy Vineyard is considered one of the top terroirs in all of Anderson Valley. It was planted by Richard Savoy in 1991 to 43 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In 2011, the Lede family acquired the vineyard, though they still sell some of the fruit to other producers. The vineyard is broken up into 34 different plots, but the overall soil structure contains sandy loam and sandstone. The wines from the Savoy vineyard are still generous but show the more elegant and finesse character of cooler climate terroirs across the Anderson Valley.
Recommended Drinking Window: 2020-2030