VINEYARD Keefer Ranch
CLONES 115: 11%; Pommard 4: 20%; 2A : 10% ; 23: 18%; 777: 5%; Pommard 5: 20%; 114: 16%
ORIENTATION East/West
TRELLISING Bi-lateral cordon
SOIL Goldridge and Josephine Loam
HARVEST 9-24-2006 – 10-7-2006
FERMENTATION 5-ton stainless steel open top tank and wood tank / 5 day cold soak / 8-11 day ferment / 100% de-stemmed
OAK 45% new French oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.7%
pH 3.61
TA 5.6 g/L
AROMA
Juicy pomegranate, black cherry and lingonberry soften an herbaceous nose with touches of sandalwood.
PALATE
Ripe, red cherry and raspberry with notes of sassafras. Medium body with a bright acidity and bursting with rich concentrated flavor. Berries and cream evoke a velvety finish.
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 greater diversity of fruit in 2006 which consisted of six clones; 115, 777, 114, Pommard 5, 2A, 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.
