Belden Barns The Swan Pinot Noir Sonoma Mountain 2021

Having taken turns "wearing many hats," the Belden Barns turn-of-the-century property was once a stagecoach stop (that century) and rural retreat with a dance hall! Later, the land would profit by raising dairy cows and a prune orchard. In the early 1970s, pioneer grape grower David Steiner planted the first vines on the property with Cabernet Sauvignon. However, an experienced grower suggested replanting the cooler site with a more cool-climate-friendly varietal that would thrive in this environment: Pinot Noir. In 2005, ownership passed to Nate & Lauren Belden, who have spent the last 20 years redeveloping the vineyard by replanting 17 acres and creating an estate to sustain through generations. Over this time, the estate vineyard has become renowned for its top-quality fruit, attracting discerning and acclaimed wine producers who are honored to put its name on their labels, representing the elegant and seamless style that Belden Barns grapes are known for.

Working alongside the Beldens is winemaker Justin Harmon. A chemical engineer graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, Justin's winemaking training began in his hometown of Chicago. An obsession and curiosity for wine inspired him to study enology textbooks published by UC Davis while also fermenting small batches of wine in his basement. From there, his passion intensified, and his eagerness to learn increased. Following years of devout consumerism, the desire to dig deeper became insatiable; the swirl, sniff, and sip approach was no longer enough to feed his hungry spirit. He made the bold move to Sonoma County and reinvented himself as a winemaker. After working two vintages under the tutelage of Russell Bevan, he launched a personal brand, Argot, in 2007.

Between 2005 and 2012, Justin admired the hard work of his neighbors, Nate and Lauren, who were rehabilitating the once-thriving David Steiner Vineyard property just over the fence line. His appreciation lay in the fact that the Beldens' development involved far more than planting new vines; instead, it was about establishing an organic farm, orchard, and winery for visitors to experience, and which highlighted the impressive terroir of Sonoma Mountain. In 2012, Justin hopped the fence and joined the Belden Barns team as the winemaker to create wines with a strong sense of place.

2021 marks the 2nd vintage of The Swan, which is a captivating, elegant, luxurious, hand-crafted Pinot Noir. Justin and the Beldens crafted only 47 cases, which were released exclusively to their mailing list members and ACME. The wine was aged in once-used neutral French oak barrels for 19 months before being bottled in March 2023. Everything is in its place, from the delightful cherry and raspberry notes to the perfect expression of the earthy undertones—a wine for sharing or indulging on a solo mission to find that rare moment of peace.