Nose
Aromas of black cherry, violets, and white pepper.
Palate
A firmly
structured velvety palate exploding with dark fruits, spice, cola, and subtle notes of almond
oil. A seductive finish intertwines oak and firm tannins with balanced acidity for a long
memorable 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
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
Concurrent, spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels
Aging
Aged 15 months in French oak barrels; 67% new.
Appearance
Cerise in color, this stately pinot noir is a quintessential portrait of assertiveness and
refinement in harmony.