GRAIL
DK Grail, CAMPBELL RANCH Pinot Noir 2021
Vineyard Site
Perched at 850 feet elevation, Campbell Ranch rests on the very edge of the residual marine layer from the Pacific Ocean in the West Sonoma Coast appellation. Carved from this rugged and unique maritime landscape, the terroir is ensconced by redwoods and ferns. Farmed by Steve Campbell, the vines are about twenty years old, low-yielding, sitting atop Goldridge soil.
Winemaking
This wine was harvested in mid-September (9.15, 9.17, and 9.20) between 24.8-25.5 brix. After a five-day cold soak and two weeks of fermentation, the wine aged for fifteen months in 38% new French oak before bottling. The coopers included Boutes, Sirugue, Cavin, Rousseau, and Gamba.
Dan’s Notes
Campbell Ranch has held a very special place in my heart since 2013, when we used the fruit from the coastal vineyard for the first time. I’ve always been intrigued by the subtle complexity that the vineyard offers. 2021 was a fairly intense vintage, boasting broad red and black fruit. But what is unique about this land other than the complex fruit are the savory undertones that make one think about the nuances of the wine and how fruit meets earth. Hints of pine needle and earthiness compliment the juicy complexity of the dark fruit, making for a profile that covers the entire palate through the long, dusty finish.
97 POINTS
DK GRAIL Campbell Ranch Pinot Noir, 2021
“Campbell Ranch vineyard in the [West Sonoma Coast] is the winery’s largest holding, with clones 777 and 115. There’s more power and intensity to these single vineyard wines. A wonderful minty freshness mingles with crushed river stones, white pepper, and intriguing umami notes. Medium to full-bodied with very present, substantial tannins that have beam-like qualities, a bit sappy and balanced by mocha notes. The entire wine has a broad feeling on the palate and builds with spicy richness. It’s layered with dense black cherry, pomegranate, spiced plums, and blood orange fruits, which have real staying power. The long finish is marked by warming brown sugar spices, toffee, and espresso beans. Plenty of heft balanced by great tension.” – J.C.
The Quest for DK Grail
We are on a quest to perfect wines of elegant intensity and bring them to the rest of the world.
DK Grail is a treasured bottle of Pinot Noir that is exclusively made available to people and hospitality venues on the DK allocation list. Wine enthusiasts and collectors who seek out wines that are rare, unique and difficult to acquire cherish DK Grail. They enjoy the quest to secure an allocation and the pleasure and pride of sharing a bottle with people at special occasions, opportunities to create impactful relationships or lasting memories.