Berserkers – Clarice Collection

Description

This collection of Clarice Pinot Noirs represents some of the finest wines that I’ve made in my life. The 2023 vintage was the latest harvest that I’ve ever experienced – with harvest at the Rosella’s vineyard not occurring until mid-October. This led to ripe seeds, ripe stems, and ripe skins while sugars remained moderate. In short, 2023 was an incredible vintage – one I haven’t seen the likes of since 1999 – and has produced wines of elegance and balance. If all vintages were like 2023 there wouldn’t be any need for winemakers. “Adam Lee’s three (2023) Pinot Noir cuvées for Clarice, show the potential to rank amongst the best the region has ever turned out.” – Vinous

2022, on the other hand was a challenge. I’ve selected one 2022 wine to include in this pack to show that, every now and then, a winemaker is necessary. Since I purchase grapes by the acre rather than by the ton, I had the adapt farming in the vineyard in 2022 in anticipation of the Labor Day heat spike. Fortunately, the Santa Lucia Highlands didn’t get as hot as some areas, but neither did it cool off at night. I had the Franscionis and Pisonis water my sections of vines extensively prior to – and during the heat spell – so much so that when I did ultimately harvest, I thought I’d f’ed it up. The harvest sugars were low and to balance out the water I’d added in the vineyard, I performed a heavy (25%) saignee and increased the amount of whole clusters used in the ferments to over 80%. Quite frankly, I love the 2022 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir as a testament to what can be done when a winemaker has to make wine.

2022 Clarice SLH Pinot Noir – regularly $98 plus tax and shipping

2023 Clarice Rosella’ Vineyard Pinot Noir – regularly $98 plus tax and shipping

2023 Clarice Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir – regularly $98 plus tax and shipping

Clarice Collection $255 total – including tax and shipping within the Continental USA