Porter Creek Carignan 2020

Porter Creek Vineyards Porter Creek has a long history in the Russian River Valley, dating to 1978 when George Davis bought 40 acres of land adjacent Porter Creek on Westside Road near Macmurray Ranch. Pinot Noir plantings date to 1974 on the site. Porter Creek is one of the major tributaries to the Russian River. Porter Creek Burgundian and Rhone wines developed a loyal cult following over the years, but the winery has never achieved widespread notoriety. The estate is planted to both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

George Davis made the wines from the first vintage in 1982 until 1997, when his son, Alex Davis, at the age of 26, took on that role. Alex has a degree in enology from California State University at Fresno and spent several years in France at such renowned wineries as Christophe Roumier, Bernard Michelot and Marcel Guigal.

The winemaking style employs natural fermentation exclusively, discreet use of new oak for elevage, and an emphasis on channelling terroir into the finished wines. The wines are not like the typical modern style of Pinot Noir, but more reserved, nuanced, and age-worthy.

Alex oversaw replanting of some of the vineyard with an emphasis on Pommard and Wadenswil clones. All estate vineyards are certified organic and Demeter biodynamic.

Carignane is a red varietal that was widely planted in California during the late 1800’s though the mid- 1900’s, mostly by Italian immigrants, and some of the old vineyards are still producing. Porter Creek’s comes from a vineyard planted in 1939, and yields a wine that is remarkably rich and generous, yet supple and silky with a unique fruit profile of black currants, plums and spice. Recognized as one of the best Carignanes produced in California

Varietals: Carignane planted in 1939

Vineyard: Single vineyard in Mendocino

Farming: Organic

Vinification: 100% destemmed and open top fermented; 100% native yeasts

Aging: 3800 liter wooden tank 50%, rest of 50% is aged in small barrels (228l); 11 months aging