Winemaker's Notes
The fruit for our third vintage of this unctuous and delightful wine was sourced primarily (73%) from our Lindsay Estate Pinot Noir Vineyard with the balance coming from the nearby Russian River Valley vineyards of Valdez, Walker Ross Branch Road and Darien.
A medium red and garnet color is a striking prelude to a gorgeous, aromatic symphony of ripe dark red cherry and bergamot tea laced with a touch of tobacco and cola. A plush entry on the palate leads to rich, pure fruit flavors of plum and boysenberry in concert with underlying notes of truffle and forest floor. A silky mouth feel, medium-bodied tannins and well-integrated oak complete this composition. Aged 11 months in French oak, 53% new.
Harvest
Harvest Date
September 7 – 20
Harvest Brix
26.4° – 26.9°
Growing Season
The growing season began with warm, dry weather in March, resulting in early bud break. A long summer of even temperatures had a moderating effect, lowering yields and maximizing complexity in the fruit. Six days of heat in the first week of September increased flavor intensity and led to an early harvest.
Winemaking
• Hand-harvested grapes • Fermented in small, open-top stainless steel fermentors with indigenous yeasts • 4-7 days cold soak, 14-24 days total maceration • Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels; 1-2 months to completion • Aged 11 months in small French oak barrels; 53% new • Unfined and unfiltered; bottled September 2005
