Nose

Aromas of black cherry, cola and violet.

Palate

A structured palate dense with blueberries,
blackberries, spice and tea leaf.   The lengthy finish is punctuated with anise and finely
grained yet ample firm tannins.

Growing Conditions

 2010 began with a wet winter and spring across Sonoma County.  Summer
was cool, though as harvest approached temperatures rose.   Our pinot noir and chardonnay
ripened fully and evenly, allowing sugars and acid to develop in balance.   The wines from
2010 are bright, expressive and elegant.  

Harvest

Hand‐harvested grapes.

Bottling

Unfined and unfiltered; bottled January 2012.

Winemaking

 Fermented in small, open‐top stainless steel fermentors with indigenous yeasts
 5‐day cold soak, 16 days total maceration
 Hand‐punched cap
 Concurrent, spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels
 Aged 15 months in French oak barrels; 62% new

Aging

Aged 15 months in French oak barrels; 62% new.

Appearance

Intense garnet in color, this stately pinot noir is sturdy in both assertiveness and refinement.