Nose

Lovely red fruit aromas of raspberry and cherry, as well as layers of currant, rose petal, anise, nutmeg and vanilla.

Palate

Strawberry and cranberry flavors glide across a silky palate, with bright acidity adding poise and dimension, as well as a mouthwatering freshness that makes this wine beautifully drinkable in its youth.

Growing Conditions

Our Sonoma County Pinot Noir is the stylistic sibling to our Sonoma County Chardonnay, with both wines showcasing the pure varietal character that can be achieved when these grapes are grown in the ideal locations. We sourced the fruit from top cool-climate Sonoma County vineyards. The majority comes from one exceptional vineyard in Franz Valley (66%), with the remaining grapes (34%) coming from prized sites in the Russian River Valley appellation.

Harvest

The 2012 growing season offered fantastic growing conditions. Significant rains in early March were followed by perfect weather during bloom and an excellent fruit set. Summer temperatures were also ideal, with alternating periods of fog and sunshine ensuring great hangtime and no significant stress on the vines. With no notable heat events, and no threat of rain, we were able to pick exactly when we wanted to, resulting in pristine, perfectly developed fruit with great balance and acidity.

Aging

It was aged for 10 months in French oak barrels and gently handled to preserve the delicate nuances of the Pinot Noir.