Nose
Ruby‐hued and intensely aromatic with Bing
cherry, spice and forest floor, it resonates with pure pinot noir character.
Palate
Seamless layers of
wild raspberry, cola, violets and cedar intertwine and gain depth through a midpalate
framed by supple tannins and clove that create an elegant, lingering finish.
Growing Conditions
2008 began with an exceptionally dry spring and early bud break. Frosts in
April significantly lowered cluster counts. Weather stabilized and warmed through summer,
with warmer temperatures continuing through harvest. A smaller crop of high quality fruit
was able to ripen fully and evenly, developing an excellent balance of sugars and acid.
Overall, the 2008 wines are bright and expressive with well‐articulated flavors.
Harvest
Hand‐harvested grapes.
Bottling
Unblended, unfined and unfiltered; bottled January 2010.
Winemaking
Fermented in small, open‐top stainless steel fermentors with indigenous yeasts
5‐day cold soak, 15 days total maceration
Hand‐punched cap
Native malolactic fermentation in barrels
Aging
Aged 16 months in Seguin Moreau and Francois Frères French oak barrels; 68% new.