Nose
This lush pinot noir carries expressive aromas of wild berries, rose petals
and cola.
Palate
The palate, silky and balanced, explodes with dark raspberry, plum, clove and
cocoa. Ripe currant and blackberry harmonize over a long, toasty finish supported by round
tannins.
Growing Conditions
2011 began with a wet winter and spring across Sonoma and Napa
Counties. Summer was warm, and as harvest approached temperatures rose. Our pinot
noir ripened fully and evenly, allowing sugars and acid to develop in balance. The wines
from 2011 are bright, expressive and faceted.
Properties: Katherine Lindsay Estate, Bellflower, Fraenkle, Gap’s Crown, Ulises Valdez,
Walker Station
Clonal Selections: Beba, Calera, d115, 667, 777
Harvest
Hand‐harvested grapes.
Bottling
Unfined and unfiltered; bottled August 2012.
Winemaking
Fermented in small, open‐top stainless steel fermenters with indigenous yeasts
5‐6 day cold soak, 15‐17 day average total maceration
Direct to press; 2.5% whole cluster
Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels
Aging
Aged 11 months in small French oak barrels; 45% new.
Appearance
Deep violet in color,