2023 GOOSE WATCH PINOT NOIR

Goose Watch Vineyards is located on the gently sloping, west-facing hillsides of Cayuga Lake in the northern Finger Lakes. The site benefits from well-drained Honeoye silt loam soils with underlying gravel and shale, which encourage balanced vine growth and focused fruit expression. Cayuga Lake plays a critical moderating role, helping to reduce the risk of frost and prolong the growing season, which is key for ripening a finicky variety like Pinot Noir. Warm summer days paired with cool nights contribute to vibrant acidity and nuanced aromatics in the finished wine.

Hand-harvested fruit is gently destemmed and fermented in small, open-top fermenters to maintain precision and varietal integrity. Manual punchdowns are used to extract color and structure while preserving the delicacy of the fruit. After primary fermentation, the wine was pressed and aged for 17 months in neutral oak barrels. Minimal intervention and careful barrel selection allow the purity of the site and grape to shine through.