Nose
A fabulous nose of crushed rock, graphite and
cedar, layers of sweet black and blue fruits intermixed with cocoa powder, walnut, fresh
almonds and scents of freshly roasted coffee.
Palate
In the mouth this wine shows concentration,
great richness and volume with a sense of freshness and energy together with that noble
sweetness of tannin with stunning purity as well as a layered sensual finish. The aftertaste
leaves you with delicious flavors of blood orange and tangerine. When young, our 2007
Howell Mountain was massively tannic and just recently started to open up. It is a beauty
that can be enjoyed now, particularly with decanting, however it will benefit from more time
in the cellar.
Growing Conditions
This wine is produced from grapes grown on Howell Mountain. As usual, respect of the terroir and integrity of the fruit is the key to our winemaking philosophy.
Harvest
All handpicked between the
24th and the 29th of October and tenderly carried to the winery in our 35 pound yellow
picking lugs. Harvested at sunset and delivered to the winery when they were still
fresh and cold, the grapes were meticulously sorted by our 24-hand team on the custom
designed pre- and post-destemming sorting tables
Bottling
In order to keep the wine as expressive and balanced as possible, we did not fine nor filter
prior to bottling.
Winemaking
After a 6-day cold soak at 36°F, the fermentation took place for 15 days in our small and
perfectly temperature controlled five ton fermenters, with pump-overs occurring twice a day.
Following the alcoholic fermentation and a 3-week extended maceration, the wine was
barreled and aged for 24 months in 100 percent French oak barrels specially designed by
Denis and crafted for Notre Vin. The malolactic fermentation happened in barrels and the
wine was kept on lees and stirred for 6 months.
Aging
24 months in 100% new French oak barrels
Appearance
Dark garnet.
