Hendry Blocks 4 & 5 Napa Valley Pinot Noir 2003

On the Hendry Ranch they strive to understand and deliver terrior, with their block system.  Therefore, Block 4 and 5 Pinot Noir is actually that.


These small blocks (pictured above, total 7.5 acres) sit in an ideally protected area, and the vines are 10-12 years old.  The three clones were chosen to complement the location.  Aging on this vintage was 11 months in all French Oak, half new. Production: 700 cases.

96.5 points.  Color: Deep dense purplish-ruby red. This is a fairly powerful Pinot Noir experience, and yes, it expresses its terroir well. The aromas are a complex resonating blend of dark cherry and blackberry, plus cassia/spice, orange rind, toasty oak, and a nice amount of rocky minerality. The mouthfeel is velvety and thick with bitter chocolate texture and dry dark fruit flavors, balanced acidity, plus polished tannins and attractive minerality on the palate. The finish reverberates. Tasted by itself and later with food: mesquite grilled ribeye, salmon and sea scallops. Closure: real cork. (A screw cap would be a plus.) Price: $30. Value: Outstanding.