VINEYARD Keefer Ranch
CLONES 115, Pommard 4, 2A, 23, 777, Pommard 5, 114
ORIENTATION East/West
TRELLISING Bi-lateral cordon
SOIL Goldridge and Josephine Loam
HARVEST October 1-13, 2011
FERMENTATION 5-ton stainless steel open-top tank and wood open-top tanks / 93% de-stemmed, 7% whole cluster
OAK 55% new French oak / 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.6%
pH 3.49
TA 6.0 g/L
BOTTLING DATE January 2, 2013
AROMA
Juicy pomegranate, cranberry, lingonberry, citrus peel, and touch of vanilla bean.
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 located in the Green Valley appellation in the southwestern corner of the Russian River Valley. The 50-acre vineyard is located on gently rolling hills in an area known to have some of the coolest weather in the Russian River Valley. Morning and evening fog, gentle afternoon breezes, cool overnight temperatures, and the warm afternoon sun produce grapes with terrific natural acidity combined with a combination of elegance and intensity. Marcy Keefer and her son Craig Strehlow grow some of the best Pinot Noir grapes in Sonoma County and we are proud to have them as members of the family. The site has a superb micro-climate, offering just the right amount of warmth during the day and very cool nights, which leads to intensely focused red fruited wine with strong natural acidity.
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.
