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