Clos du Ciel
Pinot Noir
From the Estate Vineyard in Fort Ross/Seaview, Sonoma County
Overview
The name ‘Clos du Ciel’ is French for 'In the Sky', and is a metaphor for the rare microclimate of this vineyard site. Situated nearly one mile from the Pacific Ocean among the trees on a ridge approaching an elevation of 1,400 feet, this mountain vineyard receives the coastal influence along with ideal strong, sunny days. This distinct site lends to creating a wine with polished tannins, body, and hints of mineral graphite. ‘Clos du Ciel’ traditionally presents the most full-bodied structure of our three Seaview Estate Pinot Noirs.
Pronunciation
(kloh du see-el) French for “wall-enclosed vineyard of the sky”
Current Vintage
Vintage Notes
At Seaview, less rainfall than usual led to a drier-than-normal 2022 growing season and an early budbreak. The weather during bloom was highly variable, which caused extremely low fruit set, resulting in yields less than half the normal crop at Seaview. Although the majority of the ripening season was moderate, as harvest approached, temperatures increased, with unusually high heat compressing the range of picking dates to just over one week from September 9 to 16.
Winegrowing Notes
The name Clos du Ciel is a nod to the rare microclimate of this vineyard site. Situated nearly 1 mile (1.6 km) from the Pacific Ocean and among the trees on a ridge approaching an elevation of 1,400 feet (427 meters), this mountain vineyard receives the coastal influence along with ideal strong, sunny days. The soils of the vineyard are a composite of clay, silt, and volcanic gravels, which lend to polished tannins, body, and hints of mineral graphite. ‘Clos du Ciel’ traditionally presents the most full-bodied structure of our three Seaview Estate Pinot Noirs.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The dark ruby hue of the 2022 ‘Clos du Ciel’ matches the intensity of the perfumed bouquet of cherry blossom, dried rose petals, purple flowers and supporting notes of black truffle, dark chocolate and baking spices. The intense entry blossoms into a rich, silky but highly-structured mid-palate with remarkable concentration, high-quality fine-grained tannins and a round, refined finish. The 2022 ‘Clos du Ciel’ shows power, depth and balance.
Hand Harvested
September 9 - September 13
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 8, 2024
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2024
Alcohol
15.4%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Past Vintages
Vintage Notes
The winter rains were less abundant than average, continuing two years of drier winters at the Seaview Estate. Despite some highly variable spring temperatures, the majority of the bloom period occurred under ideal conditions, resulting in excellent fruit set across all three vineyards. The 2021 growing season was exceptionally mild, with harvest spanning two weeks from September 13 to September 27. The 2021 Seaview Estate Pinot Noirs are vibrant, balanced, and classically styled.
Winegrowing Notes
The name Clos du Ciel is a nod to the rare microclimate of this vineyard site. Situated nearly 1 mile (1.6 km) from the Pacific Ocean and among the trees on a ridge approaching an elevation of 1,400 feet (427 meters), this mountain vineyard receives the coastal influence along with ideal strong, sunny days. The soils of the vineyard are a composite of clay, silt, and volcanic gravels, which lend to polished tannins, body, and hints of mineral graphite. ‘Clos du Ciel’ traditionally presents the most full-bodied structure of our three Seaview Estate Pinot Noirs.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The deeply colored 2021 ‘Clos du Ciel’ offers a highly floral nose with lavender, black cherry, and wild blackberries and expressive higher notes of red fruit and a hint of cinnamon and spice. The wine exhibits remarkable intensity, with dense, rich concentration, exceptional structure, and a full, round mouthfeel. This vin de garde will continue to develop for many years in bottle.
Hand Harvested
September 15 - September 22
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 14, 2023
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2023
Alcohol
15.4%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2019 growing season began with abundant rainfalls during February. The climate remained cool through spring, allowing the vines to produce a proper canopy but without an excess of vigor. Bloom was delayed by two weeks and as a result, the veraison was able to develop evenly and the harvest occurred late. During the summer, we managed the canopy with two simple edging passes. In addition, we omitted the de-leafing of the canopy to aid in preserving the natural acidity of this special vintage that nature presented to us. Pinot Noir is among the most fastidious varietals; therefore, very special care is devoted in the vineyard and the cellars to this noble Pinot Fins selection. The fruit across the three vineyards—Clos du Ciel, Le Caprice, and Ma Danseuse—was harvested crunchy and fully ripe, a rare goal to achieve. Without a doubt, 2019 is a stunning, classic vintage.
Winegrowing Notes
The name Clos du Ciel is a metaphor for the rare microclimate of this vineyard site. Situated nearly 1 mile from the Pacific Ocean among the trees on a ridge approaching an elevation of 1,400 feet, this mountain vineyard receives the coastal influence along with ideal strong, sunny days. The soils of the vineyard are a composite of clay, silt, and volcanic gravels, which lend to polished tannins, body, and hints of mineral graphite. ‘Clos du Ciel’ traditionally presents the most full bodied structure of our three Seaview Estate Pinot Noirs.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Displaying a saturated, red ruby color with pink and inky hues, the wine offers aromas of red rose petals, lively blackberry, strawberry jam, and cherry kirsch. Savory clove, cinnamon, sandalwood, and hints of earthy redwood character blend well with an element of toasty, slightly smoky new oak. Generous and full-bodied with abundant tannins, ‘Clos du Ciel’ demonstrates balance with a seamless texture and an astonishing finish offering precision, delineation, and power.
Hand Harvested
September 25 - September 28
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 8, 2021
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2021
Alcohol
15.4%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2017 growing season began with abundant rainfall, ending California’s long drought. Spring weather was cool, but dry, resulting in an extended blooming period. The vines were vigorous thanks to the winter rains. Aggressive canopy management and fruit thinning brought the crop into optimal balance. Warmer than normal conditions after veraison accelerated ripening and required careful irrigation to mitigate dehydration. A return of cooler conditions allowed our Pinot Noir to slowly reach perfect ripeness. Picking was gradual and methodical, yielding a slightly larger than normal harvest. The vintage produced rich, forward Pinot Noirs that will show well young, but possess the structure to age.
Winegrowing Notes
Clos du Ciel, French for “wall-enclosed vineyard of the sky,” is a metaphor for this rare microclimate vineyard site. Situated between 1,275 and 1,400 feet above sea level, with a gentle mountain slope, this vineyard receives a strong, sunny influence from the mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannins, body and hints of graphite-mineral. Clos du Ciel has the most masculine structure of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2017 Clos du Ciel is exceptional, offering elegance, complexity and richness coupled with long-term ageability. It presents a red-ruby hue tinged subtly with purple. The nose is filled with aromas of raspberry liqueur, black cherry, strawberry, graphite, blackberry, and leather. Balanced and rich in the mouth, the notes of red forest fruits, cloves, vanilla and violet are stunning. Earthy and gamy components complete the intense mouth feel. The texture is sensual, silky and stylish with impressive length. The 2017 vintage is approachable now and will continue to develop for two decades or more.
Hand Harvested
September 16 - September 28
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 8, 2021
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 60% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2019
Alcohol
14.8%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The near perfect 2016 growing season started with a warm February and early bud break. While California’s drought continued, rains were sufficient to meet the vineyard’s needs. Cool damp conditions at blooming resulted in a well formed, but smaller than average clusters. After veraison, a single pass of thinning brought the crop into optimal balance. Overall, the vintage gave us ideal ripening conditions, maintaining excellent balance between sugar, acidity and the tannin development. Moderate temperatures at harvest allowed gradual picking as each block achieved perfection, providing excellent flavor development. The vintage produced classically styled Pinot Noirs with great intensity and uncommon ageability.
Winegrowing Notes
Clos du Ciel, French for “wall-enclosed vineyard of the sky,” is a metaphor for this rare microclimate vineyard site. Situated between 1,275 and 1,400 feet above sea level, with a gentle mountain slope, this vineyard receives a strong, sunny influence from the mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannins, body and hints of graphite-mineral. Clos du Ciel has the most masculine structure of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Offering elegance, complexity, richness and long-term ageability, the 2016 Clos du Ciel is an exceptional wine. It delights the eye with its red-ruby hue tinged subtly with purple. The nose is filled with aromas of raspberry liqueur, black cherry, strawberry, black truffle, blackberry, and leather. Balanced and rich in the mouth, the notes of red forest fruits, cloves, vanilla and violet are stunning. Earthy and gamy components complete the intense mouth feel. The texture is sensual, silky and stylish with impressive length. The 2016 vintage reward two years of cellaring and will continue to develop for two decades or more.
Hand Harvested
September 9 - September 15
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 12, 2018
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 60% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2018
Alcohol
15.1%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The winter was dry with only 70% of normal rainfall, continuing three years of drought. Unseasonably warm temperatures in early spring accelerated bud break by four weeks. The growing season, bloom through veraison, benefited from moderate temperatures, resulting in a very even fruit set. However, early use of drip irrigation was critical for the health of the vines. Hand thinning balanced the crop at 2 tons per acre. Ideal Indian summer conditions allowed us to calmly harvest each block as it achieved optimal ripeness. The vintage yielded wine of exceptional balance and concentration.
Winegrowing Notes
Clos du Ciel, French for “wall-enclosed vineyard of the sky,” is a metaphor for this rare microclimate vineyard site. Situated between 1,275 and 1,400 feet above sea level, with a gentle mountain slope, this vineyard receives a strong, sunny influence from the mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannins, body and hints of graphite-mineral. Clos du Ciel has the most masculine structure of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2014 Clos du Ciel is exceptional, offering elegance, complexity and richness coupled with long-term ageability. It presents a red-ruby hue tinged with subtle purple accents. The nose is filled with aromas of raspberry liqueur, black cherry, strawberry, sandalwood, and leather accents. Balanced and rich in the mouth, notes of delicate red forest fruit, clove, hazelnut and violet are accented by earth and game components. The texture is sensual, silky and stylish with an impressive length. This wine will require a couple years of cellaring to develop its bouquet and remarkable potential.
Hand Harvested
August 15 – September 5
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 1, 2016
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 60% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2016
Alcohol
14.2%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2013 growing season began with a dry spring and mild temperatures, very similar to the previous vintage. Bloom occurred evenly under excellent weather conditions, setting a small crop. We worked slowly and meticulously on canopy management and crop thinning, reducing yields further by adjusting each block to one cluster per shoot. From veraison to the harvest, a long Indian summer contributed to the exceptional quality of the vintage. Sunny days, followed by cool evenings allowed for even, slow ripening. Dry conditions coupled with only minor heat spikes made for berries with amazing fruit intensity and a classic varietal profile.
Winegrowing Notes
Clos du Ciel, French for “wall-enclosed vineyard of the sky,” is a metaphor for this rare microclimate vineyard site. Situated between 1,275 and 1,400 feet above sea level, with a gentle mountain slope, this vineyard receives a strong, sunny influence of the mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannins, body and hints of graphite-mineral. Clos du Ciel has the most masculine structure of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Offering elegance, complexity, richness and long ability to age, the 2013 Clos du Ciel is an exceptional wine. It delights the eye with its red-ruby hue tinged subtly with purple. The nose is filled with aromas of raspberry liqueur, black cherry, strawberry, black truffle, earthy and leather notes. Balanced and rich in the mouth, the notes of red forest fruits and violets are stunning. Earthy and gamy components complete the intense mouth feel. The texture is sensual, silky and stylish with impressive length. It will require a couple years of cellaring to develop its bouquet and remarkable potential.
Hand Harvested
September 2 – September 9
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 11, 2015
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 60% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2015
Alcohol
14.4%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2012 growing season began with a dry spring and mild temperatures. Fog in the morning had little effect on our vineyards in their high altitude microclimate. Sunshine-filled days followed by cool evenings allowed for even, slow ripening. With no rain or severe heat spikes, berries developed amazing fruit intensity and a classic varietal profile. Typical for our Seaview Vineyard, we worked slowly and meticulously on canopy management and crop thinning. This diligent, hard work by our vineyard crew ensured a balanced, elegant structure with concentrated, tasty berries.
Winegrowing Notes
Clos du Ciel, French for “wall-enclosed vineyard of the sky,” is a metaphor for this rare microclimate vineyard site. Situated between 1,275 and 1,400 feet above sea level, with a gentle mountain slope, this vineyard receives a strong, sunny influence of the mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannins, body and hints of graphite-mineral. Clos du Ciel has the most masculine structure of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Offering elegance, complexity, richness and long ability to age, the 2012 Clos du Ciel is an exceptional wine. It has a red-ruby color with a purple aristocratic hue. The nose is filled with aromas of raspberry liqueur, black cherry, wild strawberry, black truffle, earthy and leather notes. Balanced and rich in the mouth, the notes of delicate red forest fruits and violet scents are stunning with earthy and gamey components, which complete the intense mouth feel. The texture of Clos du Ciel is sensual, silky and stylish with an impressive length. It will require a couple of years of cellaring to develop its bouquet and remarkable potential.
Hand Harvested
September 14 – September 27
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 1, 2014
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 33% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2014
Alcohol
14.8%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2011 growing season started with a cool wet spring. While our Seaview vineyards did not experience any frost, the temperatures delayed bud break.The weather from fruit set through harvest stayed even, cool and mild without any damaging heat spikes.This coupled with the ample spring rains allowed us to dry farm in this vintage.To ensure proper ripening, we worked diligently on canopy management and crop thinning. This attention to detail allowed the fruit to ripen evenly and resulted in wines that are more “European” in style. For Pinot Noir, 2011 will be remembered as a vintage that yielded wines exhibiting gorgeous structure and elegance.
Winegrowing Notes
Clos du Ciel, French for “wall-enclosed vineyard of the sky,” is a metaphor for this rare microclimate vineyard site. Situated between 1,275 and 1,400 feet above sea level, with a gentle mountain slope, this vineyard receives a strong, sunny influence of the mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannins, body and hints of graphite-mineral. Clos du Ciel has the most masculine structure of our trio of estate Pinot Noir bottlings.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Clos du Ciel has a deep red ruby color and an intense nose of black cherry, cassis, strawberry liqueur, black raspberry with truffle, graphite and leather notes. The wine has a sensual texture and impressive length, exhibiting heavy notes of fruits and spice along with a full-bodied mouthfeel. 2011 Clos du Ciel will benefit from a couple years of cellaring resulting in a developed bouquet.
Hand Harvested
September 21 – September 24
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 1, 2014
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 33% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2013
Alcohol
14.3%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2010 growing season was exceptionally cool. A mild, wet spring resulted in late bud break, and the fruit set was lighter than normal. Balancing our vines to one cluster per shoot further reduced the yields to about one ton per acre. From veraison until harvest, we enjoyed sunny and mostly mild conditions. A few hot days in August accelerated maturation, giving us an ideal ripening season. The high altitude microclimate of our vineyard prevented the fog from further slowing ripening. Harvest occurred a few weeks later than normal, and the grapes from our Seaview estate were beautiful, compact clusters with petite, concentrated, tasty berries. Low yields resulted in intense densely flavored wines.
Winegrowing Notes
Clos du Ciel, French for “wall-enclosed vineyard of the sky,” is a metaphor for this rare microclimate vineyard site. Situated between 1,275 and 1,400 feet above sea level, with a gentle mountain slope, this vineyard receives a strong, sunny influence of the mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannins, body and hints of graphite-mineral. Clos du Ciel has the most masculine structure of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
2010 Clos du Ciel presents the eye with a deep red ruby color. On the nose it has an intense aroma of black cherry, cassis, strawberry liqueur, black raspberry with truffle, clove, graphite and leather notes. Rich, round and balanced, the wine is full bodied with accents of fruit and spice. The texture of Clos du Ciel is sensual with an impressive length. It will require a couple years of cellaring to develop its bouquet and remarkable potential. The wine will age gracefully for two decades.
Hand Harvested
September 30 – October 1
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 1, 2012
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 33% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2012
Alcohol
15.8%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2009 growing season began with an average amount of rainfall, but with significant spring precipitation. Conditions were windy and cool for the blooming period, so the fruit set was lighter than normal. Balancing our vines to one cluster per shoot further reduced the yields, ultimately netting about one ton per acre. From veraison until harvest, we welcomed sunny and mild conditions: an ideal ripening season. The high altitude microclimate of our vineyard prevented the fog from affecting the vintage. Harvest occurred very early, in the first week of September. The Pinot Noir grapes from our vineyard were beautiful, small, compact clusters with petite concentrated tasty berries.
Winegrowing Notes
Clos du Ciel, French for “wall-enclosed vineyard of the sky,” is a metaphor for this rare microclimate vineyard site. Situated between 1,275 and 1,400 feet above sea level, with a gentle mountain slope, this vineyard receives a strong, sunny influence of the mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannins, body and hints of graphite-mineral. Clos du Ciel has the most masculine structure of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Clos du Ciel has a deep red ruby color and an intense nose of black cherry, cassis, strawberry liqueur, black raspberry with truffle, graphite and leather notes. The wine is rich, round and full-bodied with heavy notes of fruits and spices. The texture of Clos du Ciel is sensual with an impressive length. It will require a couple years of cellaring to develop its bouquet and remarkable potential.
Hand Harvested
September 4 – September 9
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 1, 2011
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. seventeenmonths in 33% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2011
Alcohol
15.3%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard
Clos du Ciel Vineyard
A microclimate within the estate — one mile from the Pacific Ocean on a ridgeline among the trees, receiving the coastal influence along with substantial sun exposure.
Appellation
Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, Sonoma County
Soil
Rocky alluvial sediments, decomposing volcanic material, clay
Elevation
1,000–1,500 feet
Variety
Pinot Noir
Planted
2006
Exposure
East–Northeast