2020 Rescue Block Pinot Noir Takes the Crown at Harvest Wine Challenge!
The Story Behind This Award-Winning Wine
Hold onto your glasses because we’ve got some exciting news to share! Lula Cellars is proud to announce a momentous victory at the 2023 Harvest Challenge Wine Competition, where our esteemed 2020 Rescue Block Pinot Noir claimed the top prize.
The Harvest “Terroir” Challenge is a wine competition that bases its judging on wines belonging to a specific appellation (i.e., Lula’s Anderson Valley) that share the same type of soil, weather conditions, and grapes. In other words, the wines were ranked against their regional competition.
Not only did it win Best of the Best, Best Red Wine, AND Best of Anderson Valley AVA, but the 2020 Rescue Block Pinot Noir also garnered an impressive 98 Points. Judges were captivated by its “rich, ripe” profile, featuring notes of “Bing cherry” and a subtle “hint of orange peel.”
After receiving this incredible honor, we knew it was time to share the story behind this remarkable wine and how it became such a standout.
THE VINES: A RESCUED LEGACY
If you know us, you know we love our Pinot Noirs and how we strive to produce them to be savored year after year. When we planted the Lula Vineyard back in 2013, our passion took an unexpected turn. Unearthing approximately 1,000 vines overgrown by blackberries and weeds, we unveiled a hidden gem believed to have been planted in 2009, only to be abandoned. Through years of dedicated rescue efforts, this block now produces a Pinot Noir that stands out as truly special.
THE 2020 HARVEST: TRIUMPH AMIDST CHALLENGES
This harvest was one for the history books. The growing season couldn’t have been more perfect, and with that, great excitement for the resulting wines. Then, back-to-back heatwaves in August followed by a devastating fire season in Northern California (yet distant from Lula) created a challenging harvest. Fortunately, we responded by quickly harvesting these grapes, and the end result in the glass is nothing short of magic!
CRAFTING EXCELLENCE: THE ART OF WINEMAKING
Hand-harvested under the cover of night to preserve delicate flavors, the grapes underwent meticulous sorting and partial destemming. Fermented in open-top fermenters, the wine showcased its richness through hand punch downs during fermentation. A lengthy maceration period followed, enhancing mouthfeel and complexity. A 10-month sojourn in fine-grained French oak barrels culminated in a wine of unparalleled quality.
TASTING NOTES: AWARD-WINNING FLAVORS
This single-block wonder boasts a regal purple hue, with aromas and flavors that dance between dark cherry, plum, earth, and spice. The palate unfolds seamlessly, revealing layers of silky tannins and the subtle embrace of toasty French oak.
EXCLUSIVE INDULGENCE AWAITS!
It’s not just the judges who have fallen for our Rescue Block Pinot Noir; our Club Members are singing its praises! “The best Pinot we have ever tasted,” many have declared.
Ready to savor excellence? Become a member of the Lula Cellars Wine Club and unlock access to our award-winning wines throughout the year. With three shipments annually (January, April, September), enjoy exceptional wines with exclusive savings. No fee to join, no monthly dues – just exceptional wines waiting to be savored.
