Pinot Noir aficionados agree that the Russian River appellation in Sonoma County is the most ideally suited region, for growing this varietal, in North America. Coastal air vents throughout the Russian River basin in the evening, lowering a veil of fog which dissipates in the late mornings, providing the cooler nighttime temperatures needed to produce the finest Pinot Noir. Warm afternoons allow for slow steady ripening of fruit, creating an intensity balanced with acidity for overall structure and aging potential.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES

Planted on a steep southern-facing knob, the Elsbree Family Vineyard has a mix of Pinot Clones on different rootstocks. This gives the grapes a superior field-blend of flavors; fruit with plenty of layers and superb depth. Our 2004 harvest proves to be one our best ever, the yield was small and the quality was superb for this limited production varietal.

We harvested at 24.5 º brix. This has proven to be the optimum number for us. Our wine making techniques include keeping the clones separated during the fermentation and aging process. We cold soak the grapes two to three days before adding several different types of yeast, cultured specifically for Pinot Noir. We hand-punch, sometimes as much as five or six times a day to closely control the temperature. We age in Francois Frères barrels for 11 months before bottling.

TASTING NOTES

Pleasing ruby color invites you to breath in the nose of spice, strawberry and smoke. Once on the palate you'll delight in the spice, cinnamon, nutmeg and earthly flavors enhanced by the structured tannins and well balanced acid. The long finish is full of spice and ripe fruit.