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

By separating the grapes by clone during fermentation and aging, it gives our winemaker many more blending options. The grapes are cold soaked two to three days before adding several different types of yeast, cultured specifically for Pinot Noir. During the seven to twelve days it takes to ferment, each fermenter is hand-punch, sometimes as often as five or six time a day to ensure that the temperature doesn’t get too warm. Once the juice is fermented, the fruit pressed and move the wine into Francois Frères French oak barrels, and then age for 11 months before bottling.

We hope you enjoy the fruits of our labor!

TASTING NOTES

Medium ruby color; complex dark cherry aromas with earthy notes; deep, rich, earthy black cherry fruit, with spice and cola notes; good structure and balance; long finish. Complex, lush and deep. Drink now through 2011.