Lot #6 Davis Bynum

The “BlackJack” origin story begins with four rows of Jackson Pinot Noir clone that were planted in the middle of the River West Vineyard, which is unusual. It was fermented separately, specifically to make a one-of-a-kind Sonoma County Barrel Auction wine. BlackJack refers to both the historic clone, rediscovered in the Sierra Foothills in the 1960s after being abandoned 50 years prior, and the dark, muscular nature of the fruit.

In 1973 Davis Bynum built a winery out of an old hop kiln on Westside Road, and produced a 1973 Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir, the first of its kind. Westside Road is renowned for producing lush, spicy Pinot Noirs. Their River West Vineyard has been farmed with a variety of crops for decades, but with grapes since the early 1970s.

“BlackJack” was fermented in two 600 liter French oak puncheons, punched down by hand twice a day, and left on the skins for two weeks for full extraction. It was gravity racked to French oak barrels for aging. This wine has a much darker fruit profile than most Pinot Noirs, with lots of structure and acidity for aging — spiced and a bit savory as well.

WINEMAKER(S): Greg Morthole

ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: February 2026
ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: May 2026

National Distribution: Includes all 50 states and Washington, DC

International Distribution: Includes Canada, Japan, Norway; please inquire for additional countries.