Nose
The classic Pinot Noir aroma of soft forest floor mingled with fresh
chanterelles and sweet pea flower petals establish the theme of the wine.
Palate
Firm raspberry and raw coco nibs richly coat the pallet yet give way to the
crisp black cherry base. The warmth is provided by the barrels subtle
caramel influence while a mysterious glimmer of roasting cardamom and
caraway find their way into the glass. As a whole the wine has an
exception aromatic quality that established a foundation for the wines
pallet which is richly complex, welcoming and beyond all satisfying.
Growing Conditions
2012 was a stand-out vintage in Carneros. Spring was mild with bud
break, flowering and fruit set all taking place without issue. Summer
and fall brought warm temperatures, but no heat waves, and the cool
Carneros evenings allowed the fruit to enjoy a long, slow ripening.
Winemaking
The Gallery Vineyard is 7 acres of Pinot Noir, of which 3ac is Swan
Clone and 4ac is Dijon Clone. Our Dijon clone vines (86% of blend)
were picked on September 28th and our Swan clone vines (14% of
blend) were picked on October 3rd as the vines ripen at different
rates. The picked fruit was carefully selected on a vibrating sorting
table and then de-stemmed and crushed prior to a three day cold
soak. Following fermentation in stainless steel tanks with native
yeast, the fermented must is gently basket pressed for careful
extraction of tannin and color.
Aging
The wine was aged for 10 months in
Boutes and Francois Freres French oak barrels (45% new).
