1997
Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir, Hyde Vineyard Carneros, Napa Valley
Winemaker's Notes
Deep ruby red color with garnet cast; explosive black cherry nose scented with harvest spices (nutmeg, cinnamon), bergamot/orange tea and mint with a deep purple-fruit center. Entry is sweet and focused; mid-palate supple and balanced; flavors of Kir and Chambord liqueurs with toast and gingerbread accents; luxurious silky texture lingers long on the finish. Alcohol 14.5%.
Vineyard
Owner/Manager
Hyde Family / Larry Hyde
Vineyard
Hyde Vineyard
Appellation
Carneros, Napa Valley
Clones
Cabernet sauvignon: See (aka backus)
Pinot noir: Swan, Calera and Beba
Vineyard Age
August 28, September 9 and 14, 1997
Site
Alluvial sandy-clay loam, gentle east facing hillside
Yield
Less than 3 tons/acre
Harvest
Harvest Date
August 28, September 9 and 14, 1997
Harvest Brix
Swan - 25.8°, Beba/Calera - 24.5°
Growing Season
Warm, dry spring conditions made for an early bud break. Moderate summer and mild fall temperatures allowed the berries extra time on the vine slowly and fully maturing the fruit. More than 40% of clusters were selectively "green thinned" to boost flavor concentration.
Winemaking
Hand harvested grapes
All fruit destemmed
Fermented in small 3.5 ton open-top stainless steel fermentors
4 - 5 day cold soak, 18 days total extended maceration
Cap hand punched
Fermentation by indigenous yeasts only
Native malolactic fermentation in barrels
Aged 11 months in small French oak barrels, 42% new
