Clos Saron

Clos Saron Old Block - 2013 - Saron et Gideon Beinstock

United States

BEINSTOCK Saron et Gideon

Clos Saron’s 20-acre Old Block is the estate’s oldest parcel, its ungrafted vines having been planted in 1979 and again in 1995. The entire vineyard is farmed organically, and is situated at an altitude of 490 metres on gently sloping volcanic soils. Sheep, ewes and chickens graze between the vine rows, and the soil is fertilized with organic compost. The grapes are harvested by hand, and the yields are kept low. The vinification includes maceration of whole grape bunches and maturation on fine lees in barrels that have seen several wines. Bottled by gravity, and with just a low dose of sulphur to protect the wine. 756 bottles produced and numbered.

Gideon and Saron Beinstock, both longtime veterans of Renaissance Winery in California’s Sierra Foothills appellation, got an opportunity in the late 1990s to take over a tiny parcel of vines. Their friend Leonard, who had planted some Cabernet there for his own consumption, gave them his permission to graft the vine stocks with Pinot Noir. In Gideon’s and Saron’s eyes, the grape variety was sure to acclimate much better to this cool region than Cabernet. They even doubled the density of the vineyard by planting additional, ungrafted Pinot Noir vines. Three years later, in 1998, Léonard sold them the plot, and so Clos Saron was born. Since then, the wines have been recognised the world over for their freshness and uncommonly elegant mouthfeel. Clos Saron – a micro-estate with an enormous following.