Nose
Aromas of black cherry and bright strawberry.
Palate
Rich, dark fruits dominate the palate, with
accents of red fruit and complex undertones of white pepper and nutmeg. The fine-grained
tannins and fresh acidity add layers and tension, accentuating the flavors and velvet-like
mouthfeel for an elegant finish.
Growing Conditions
The 2015 vintage began in late winter due to unseasonably warm temperatures
leading to an early bud break, and thus an elongated growing season. Overall yields were
lighter than average with smaller cluster and berry size as a result of cooler temperatures
during bloom and the third consecutive year of drought. The resultant wines show increased
concentration of flavors with wonderful balance and round textures.
Harvest
Hand-harvested, picked at night.
Bottling
Unfined and unfiltered; bottled August 2016
Winemaking
Hand-sorted while still cold from the field; 8% whole cluster inclusion
Fermented in small, open-top stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts
Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels
5 day cold soak, 16 day maceration
Gentle punchdowns and pumpovers
Aging
Aged 11 months in French Oak barrels; 44% new
Coopers: Francois Frères, Damy, Cadus, Louis Latour, Remond, Leroi, Gauthier
Appearance
A classic rendering of Russian River Valley pinot noir, this wine offers a dark cherry hue.