Nose

This lush pinot noir carries expressive aromas of wild berries, rose petals and cola. 

Palate

The palate, silky and balanced, explodes with dark raspberry, plum, clove and cocoa.  Ripe currant and blackberry harmonize over a long, toasty finish supported by round tannins.

Growing Conditions

2011 began with a wet winter and spring across Sonoma and Napa Counties.   Summer was warm, and as harvest approached temperatures rose.    Our pinot noir ripened fully and evenly, allowing sugars and acid to develop in balance.   The wines from 2011 are bright, expressive and faceted. Properties: Katherine Lindsay Estate, Bellflower, Fraenkle, Gap’s Crown, Ulises Valdez, Walker Station Clonal Selections:  Beba, Calera, d115, 667, 777

Harvest

Hand‐harvested grapes.

Bottling

Unfined and unfiltered; bottled August 2012.

Winemaking

 Fermented in small, open‐top stainless steel fermenters with indigenous yeasts  5‐6 day cold soak, 15‐17 day average total maceration  Direct to press; 2.5% whole cluster    Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels

Aging

Aged 11 months in small French oak barrels; 45% new.

Appearance

Deep violet in color,