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2008

Pinot Noir

Russian River Valley

Fragrant with ripe raspberry and holiday spice, this ruby-hued pinot noir is bursting with Russian River Valley character. Its firmly structured, silky palate unfolds in a tightly-knit weave of Bing cherry and blackberry with hints of Darjeeling tea and cardamom. Subtle earthiness adds depth and is balanced by bright acidity that punctuates a lengthy finish. Alcohol 14.6%

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94 points
Wine Spectator

92 points
Wine Advocate

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Harvest Date September 5 – October 2

Growing Season 2008 began with an exceptionally dry spring and early budbreak. Frosts in April significantly lowered cluster counts. Weather stabilized and warmed through summer, with warmer temperatures continuing through harvest. A smaller crop of high quality fruit was able to ripen fully and evenly, developing an excellent balance of sugars and acid. Overall, the 2008 wines are bright and expressive with well-articulated flavors.

Winemaking

• Hand-harvested grapes
• Fermented in small, open-top stainless steel fermentors with indigenous yeasts
• 5-day cold soak, 15 day total maceration
• Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels
• Aged 10 months in small French oak barrels; 53% new
• Unfined and unfiltered; bottled August 2009