Germain-Robin’s Single Barrel 19-year-old Pinot Noir Brandy
“It’s the best I’ve ever seen,” remarked Hubert Germain-Robin after tasting the first run of California Pinot Noir brandy that he and Ansley Coale distilled in 1983. Their decision to distill California Pinot Noir would change the face of brandy making forever. Double distilled in Prulho Charentais pot stills in 2001 and aged 19 years in heirloom Limousin Oak barrels, this single barrel brandy made from Anderson Valley, Mendocino California grown Pinot Noir grapes was chosen for its exceptional character, paying homage to our founders’ contribution to brandy making.
Germain Robin Single Barrel Pinot Noir 19 year old brandy captures the fruit character of the Pinot Noir grape on both the nose and the palate. Aromas of barrel spice give way to dried cherry and apricot, with a layer of tobacco, and hints of coffee. On the palate there’s weight, boldness, and depth. Beyond fruit are earthy flavors of oak and a touch of leather that instantly give way to a bright red cherry finish.
Germain-Robin's newest release, Single Barrel Pinot Noir aged 19 years, marks the brand's first new single barrel product since joining the E. & J. Gallo spirits family four years ago. Crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes grown in California's bucolic Anderson Valley in coastal Mendocino County, the brandy pays homage to Germain-Robin's distinctive heritage of being among the first to ever distill California Pinot Noir grapes in the history of brandy making.
The Pinot Noir Single Barrel is double distilled in Prulho Charentais pot stills in 2001 and aged for 19 years in heirloom Limousin oak barrels. Beautifully capturing the fruit character of the grape on both the nose and the palate, this expression sets a new standard of excellence in brandy. Aromas of stone fruit and barrel spice open up on the bold palate to signature notes of cherry, dried herbs and coffee, complemented by the brandy's weight and depth. Earthy layers of oak and a touch of leather give way on the bright, lengthy finish to hints of apricot and Bing cherry.
"Hubert Germain-Robin and I shared a simple vision: to make the best brandy possible," said Gallo's Vice President of Distilling David Warter. "And I believe we're delivering on that vision. The lot behind this release stood out among a multitude of barrels because of its true Pinot Noir characteristics of red fruit that can hold oak. We selected Pinot Noir to honor the path blazed by our visionary founders who revolutionized brandy making in the early 1980s when they were among the first to distill California Pinot Noir grapes."
That decision would change the face of brandy making forever. When acquiring Germain-Robin, Gallo pledged to uphold the legacy established by Hubert Germain-Robin and Co-founder Ansley Coale — and the 19-year Pinot Noir Single Barrel does just that while also showcasing exciting innovations that lie ahead.
On September 8th, the Pinot Noir Single Barrel will be released exclusively at California Brandy House in Napa, followed by a limited release to select markets. Gallo opened California Brandy House last year to raise awareness of premium California brandies such as Germain-Robin. This is the first single barrel release in a planned series.
