Nose

Fragrant with ripe raspberry and holiday spice, this ruby‐hued pinot noir is bursting with
Russian River Valley character.

Palate

Its firmly structured, silky palate unfolds in a tightly‐knit
weave of Bing cherry and blackberry with hints of Darjeeling tea and cardamom. Subtle
earthiness adds depth and is balanced by bright acidity that punctuates a lengthy finish.  

Growing Conditions

2008 began with an exceptionally dry spring and early budbreak.  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

Unfined and unfiltered; bottled August 2009.

Winemaking

ƒ Fermented in small, open‐top stainless steel fermentors with indigenous yeasts
ƒ 5‐day cold soak, 15 day total maceration
ƒ Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels

Aging

Aged 10 months in small French oak barrels; 53% new.