Nose
Deep cherry, ripe berry and chocolate aromas are complemented by spice tones of anise and clove. The combination of fruit and oak spice is flashy but grounded by Burgundian notes of earth and warm brioche.
Palate
The mouth is viscous and smooth with lingering sweetness from ripe fruit and sweet oak. Cherry, wild berries and cola light up the palate and resonate on the finish. The quality and complexity of the vineyard has been carefully nurtured and expresses itself with both power and elegance.
Growing Conditions
Nestled in the cool, foggy hills above the Russian River Valley in Western Sonoma County, our Pinot Noir block is perfectly located on an east-facing slope with shallow soils and full sun exposure. Yielding only 2.5 ton/acre of clones 667 and 777 Pinot Noir, this impeccably farmed vineyard is the perfect place for Sonoma-Loeb’s journey into making world-class Pinot Noir.
Harvest
Though 2010 was on of the coldest growing seasons in Sonoma County’s history, our choice of growers and vineyard location paid great dividends when it came to reaching full maturity of the grapes. Our vineyards were aggressively cluster thinned early in the season to balance the crop for optimal ripening. The canopy was managed in ways that promoted more light penetration and airflow through the fruit zone, allowing the berries to absorb more heat while staying free of cool-weather disease pressure. The weather in September and October was excellent, and although the harvest was late and compact, we were able to pick all of the fruit before the rains of late October. The vintage is marked by its deeply colored Pinot Noirs, refreshing acidity, and concentrated berry aromas and flavors.
Bottling
Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Winemaking
The 2010 vintage was picked at full ripeness, gently placed in open-top fermenters and fermented using only indigenous (wild) yeast. Early extraction during the fermentation showed the promise and potential of these exceptional lots of grapes.
Aging
The wine was aged for 11 months in French oak barrels.
