TERROIR
Michael Michaud planted his vineyard in 1995, after spending many years as head winemaker for Chalone Vineyard. The vineyard  sits at 1,550 ft in the northwest corner of the appellation, located at the foot of Pinnacles National Park in the Gabilan Mountains, immediately east of the Salinas Valley. Chalone AVA is characterized by an arid, high desert climate, where hot days are followed by cold and generally clear nights. Decomposed granite soil is the norm here, though pockets of limestone are also found. Wines from Michaud lend themselves to elegant structure and distinctive earthiness. 

When I started experimenting with Chalone pinot noir in 2021, I didn’t believe it was possible to make such compelling “cool-climate” wine from these grapes, due to the high desert climate. While it’s certainly fringe in that sense, it also makes some of the prettiest, earthiest, and most distinctive pinot I’ve come across. The ‘24 Michaud Pinot is truly the balance of opposites and a must-try for any pinot lover. 

TASTING
Medium red. Sour cherry, white sage, and scorched earth are supported by subtle notes of pepper and toasted coconut. A medium light body is framed by fresh acid and tightly wound, chalky tannins.

TECH
Alcohol 12.8%
pH 3.59
50% whole cluster fermentation
Native fermentation started by a pied de cuve from the vineyard
11 months élévage in 33% new and 67% neutral French oak barrels
2 barrels • 50 cases produced
Unfined & unfiltered

PRESS
95 WE
97 JD