Nose
Bright, fresh aromas of strawberry and raspberry blend nicely with hints of baked fruit pie and creamy yogurts.
Palate
The palate is on the one hand soft and smooth, and on the other bursting with layers of berry, nectarine and zesty orange flavors.
Growing Conditions
The character of the wine is most strongly influenced by bright, flavorful Pinot Noir grown in Carneros, Anderson Valley, and the Sonoma and Marin coastal areas. A few small lots of Pinot Noir are fermented in contact with their skins to add depth and subtle color to this vibrant sparkling wine. Chardonnay gives spice, structure and length on the palate.
Following the fall harvest and base winemaking period, an extensive process of blending trial and refinement is carried out in the spring. The finished blend is aged on the yeast in the bottle for about two years, just enough to achieve refined effervescence and toastiness without diminishing its refreshing, vibrant appeal.
County Composition: 55% Napa, 25% Mendocino, 18% Sonoma, 2% Marin
Harvest
Hand picking, careful handling and gentle pressing produce a wine of delicacy, free of skin and seed tannin. The 2004 harvest year was warm, leading to an early harvest. Our range of cool North Coast vineyard sites enabled us to pick a bit riper than normal, while still capturing elevated, balanced acidity.
Harvest Date(s): July 28–September 22
Bottling
Bottled: May 24–26, 2005
Winemaking
Barrel Fermentation: 22%
Aging
Disgorged: January–September 2007
Food Pairing
Enjoy this rich, delicious sparkler on almost any occasion: at your favorite restaurant, a special dinner at home, at a beach picnic or a backyard barbecue. A very versatile wine; try it with sushi, salmon, rock shrimp, pizza, roast chicken, BBQ ribs, burgers, chocolate raspberry tarts and creamy cheeses with summer fruits.