Nose

Aromas of mandarin orange,
spearmint, honeysuckle, and gardenia petal mix with the enticing notes
of freshly baked bread.

Palate

On the palate the wine mellifluously reveals
its lively, full-bodied nature: rich, luxurious, and seamless. Vibrant
citrus flavors and a touch of vanilla remain as the flavors that
linger on the finish.

Growing Conditions

An early spring in the Russian River Valley set a large
crop, requiring extensive work in the vineyard to manage
the yield for optimum flavor intensity and richness in the
grapes. Cool weather in late September and October
extended the harvest providing for enhanced flavor
development.

Harvest

Hand harvested grapes.

Bottling

Bottled unfined and unfiltered, January 2002.

Winemaking

♦ Whole cluster, direct to press
♦ Barrel fermented with indigenous yeasts, 9 months to completion
♦ Concurrent native malolactic fermentation in barrels

Aging

Barrel aged 10 months, 64% new French oak, sur lies and stirred.