Cerise is a beautiful hillside vineyard situated between 800 - 1,100’ elevation on a very steep and rocky south-facing slope in the northeast range of mountains above the town of Boonville. While this is located at the warmer end of the Anderson Valley, its elevation and exposure place it directly in the fog layer, resulting in great diurnal swings. Coupled with poor top soils, this steep exposition allows for us to harvest the fruit with a high skin-to-juice ratio from the struggling vines. The soils vary within the three cascading hills that make up Littorai’s parcels, allowing for complex and well-structured wines. Our parcel of Cerise Vineyard was planted expressly for Littorai in 1998. This site is farmed using organic materials and biodynamic methods, not certified. The 2016 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard exudes power and depth. A backbone of tannin gives the Cerise its distinctive shape along with a good kick of energy. Ample and large in feel, the Cerise is a big, bold Pinot. Dark fruit, menthol, licorice and grilled herb notes add to an impression of brooding, virile intensity.