Description
l'Usine is the brainchild of David Phinney of Orin Swift fame. Wanting to exploit some superb vineyard plots planted with Pinot Noir, he based each one off the picture on the front of the bottle. The expressions of the models and the way the picture is shot is meant to reflect something that he saw in the wine. The nature of this subject/object trickery; combined with the juxtaposition of the bottle informing the wine (rather than vice-versa) is typical Phinney: auteur, driven, splendid. And luckily enough - the wines are more than good enough to support such a high-profile, elegant design. "Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2018 Pinot Noir Sleeping Hollow Vineyard leaps from the glass with notes of cranberry sauce, redcurrant jelly and black raspberries with hints of black tea, forest floor and bouquet garni with a beautiful undercurrent of rose oil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is filled with ripe red berry layers and loads of earthy/savory accents, supported by finely knit, grainy tannins, finishing with great length and focus. 600 cases were made." Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 94 Points, 2021-2033