VINEYARD Keefer Ranch
CLONES Pommard 5, 777 & 23
HARVEST Oct 7th, 2005
FERMENTATION 16 days
OAK 40% new oak for 15 months
ALCOHOL 14.9%
pH 3.67
TA 6.02 g/L
AROMA
Tightly focused raspberry and cranberry dominate the nose, supplemented with a slight note of orange peel.
PALATE
Elegant and bright, the Keefer represents many red fuits, typical of the Green Valley. Raspberry, cranberry, dried cherries and light floral notes are the primary forward flavors. Nuances of raspberry tea offer elegant tannins and smooth structure.
Keefer Ranch is owned and managed by Marcy Keefer. The vineyard has 50 planted acres, 20 to Chardonnay and 30 to Pinot Noir. Located in the heart of Green Valley, the site has a superb micro-climate, offering just the right amount of warmth during the day and very cool nights which leads to grapes that produce an intensely red fruited wine with strong natural acidity and focus. We were fortunate to obtain a small allocation of fruit in 2005 which consisted of three clones; Pommard 5, 777 and 23.
THE RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY IS hallowed ground for lovers of great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Here, the vines are submersed in clockwork fog and daytime temperature swings, which preserve the natural acidity essential to elegant, age-worthy wines. We work with a handful of the most beloved vineyards from this remarkable wine region considered by many to be the heartland of California Pinot Noir.
Within Russian River Valley, in a town tucked away from the main roads, you’ll find a community ranging from writer to artisan. The town of Graton is an area where local winemakers and growers take a respite and enjoy some of the many popular yet under-the-radar restaurants. During harvest, the little town is full of life and bustling.
