Nose
It is perfumed with violets, bright Bing cherry and clean earth.
Palate
The palate
is firmly structured, opening with perfectly ripened raspberry and red fruits that yield to
undertones of forest floor and orange pekoe. Firm, youthful tannins are joined by notes of
clove and white pepper to create a lasting finish.
Growing Conditions
2009 began with an abundance of spring rain followed by mild, steady
summer temperatures that set the stage for nearly ideal pinot noir and chardonnay growing
conditions. The well‐set fruit ripened slowly allowing for an excellent balance of sugars and
acids to develop. The resulting wines can be characterized as elegant and rich with
profound depth and structure.
Harvest
Hand‐harvested grapes.
Bottling
Unblended, unfined and unfiltered; bottled January 2011.
Winemaking
Fermented in small, open‐top stainless steel fermentors with indigenous yeasts
5‐day cold soak, 16 days total maceration
Hand‐punched cap
Native malolactic fermentation in barrels
Aging
Aged 15 months in François Frères and Remond French oak barrels; 67% new.
Appearance
Deep ruby in color,