Benovia Pinot Noir

Harvest Notes
The 2010 growing season can best be described as a roller coaster ride.
Abundant rains in the winter of 2009 and spring 2010 broke a three-year
drought and replenished groundwater for the season. Spring and summer in
the Russian River Valley were persistently foggy and cold, resulting in only
a handful of days over 90°F. Two heat spikes in particular (~104 and 109
degrees respectively) caused havoc for thin skinned varietals like Chardonnay
and Zinfandel. But overall, the growing season was colder than usual and
pushed harvest back nearly a month. The vines produced miniscule yields
but the small crop gave us exceptional fruit with crisp acidity and intense
flavors that made for a really superb 2010 vintage.
Winegrower Notes
Selected blocks from our estate vineyards and fruit from a handful of small
premium growers were united to create this blend. In farming each site, our
intent is to maximize the character and individuality of place through the
use of the most progressive viticultural techniques. This blend includes a
collection of heirloom Pinot Noir clones like Calera, Swan, Pommard, and
Martini as well as newer French selections Dijon 115, 667, 777 and 828.
Harvested at night or early morning, the fruit was rigorously hand sorted prior
to destemming and then berry selected before open top fermentation.
Tasting Notes
Bright and detailed aromas of Bing cherry, blackberry and autumnal spices
introduce this complex and intense Pinot Noir. On the palate, the wines juicy
mouthfeel is supported by centered acidity building with intensity through
the mid-palate, with fine grain tannins on the finish. Balanced and precise,
this Pinot Noir drinks well upon release but will improve with bottle age and
drink beautifully for four to seven years.
Vineyard Sources
Martaella, Martinelli, Manzana, Petersen
Harvest Data
September 11 October 3, 2010 | Alcohol 14.2% | pH 3.61 | TA 0.65
Fermentation
Cold soaked for eight days and fermented with indigenous yeast for more
than two weeks
Cooperage
French Oak (40% new)
Bottling
February 13, 2012
Cases Produced
918 cases
Release Date
March 2012

Region Description

In California, This is a 500,000 acre wine region spanning from San Pablo Bay to the border of Mendocino County. The appellation runs down the coast of the Pacific Ocean and is known for its cool climate and high rainfall. The grapes that produce the best wines from this region are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.