This is all about structure, with an impressive core of bright acidity and finely groomed tannins, wrapped in pinpoint notes of raspberry, violet and crushed stone. Needs time to bloom. Best from 2021 through 2029. 350 cases made. ~ 93 Points, Tim Fish, Wine Spectator, Mar 2020

Mimi’s Mind 2017 is a more elegant, richly brocaded expression of Pinot noir produced from the nearby Hope Well Vineyard. Composed entirely of PN clone 667, which is small berried and spicy, this wine is energetic and nuanced with elevated mineral, floral, and fruit elements alongside truffles, and savory herb notes. The lengthy finish carries these flavors to a perfect conclusion. It is a wine to savor and celebrate.

♦  Vineyard Mimi Casteel’s beautifully maintained vineyard is a product of her creative, thoughtful farming practices. The diversity of life in her vineyard is amazing and we love the example it sets for us at Lingua Franca. We intend to implement many of the ideas she proposed for us for the environment around our farm as well as in the vineyard. This richness of biodiversity makes for truly complex and terroir-expressive wines. ♦  Production The grapes were sorted on a vibrating table before the whole clusters of lignified stems and perfectly ripened fruit were fed bin-by-bin, not pumped, into the small-format stainless steel 5-tons in capacity. Mimi’s Mind is composed from approximately 50% whole cluster and 50% destemmed fruit. Cap management began with gentle pump overs, followed by traditional pigeage by foot as needed. After fermentation, the wine aged in a combination of 20% new and 80% neutral French oak barriques for approximately 17 months, followed by 2 months in stainless steel tank prior to bottling. ♦  Food Pairing Mimi’s Mind would be a perfect match for a beautiful Veal Chop seasoned with Herbes de Provence, Roast Suckling Pig, Roasted Goose with Red Cabbage, Rack of Lamb, Roasted Pheasant with Thyme and Lemon Seasoning, Filet Mignon natural, grilled or sautéed or Rossini-style with Foie gras and Truffle.