VINEYARD Castaldi, Chenworth, El Diablo, Giusti, Graham, Jenkins, Keefer, Koplen, Lancel Creek, Moonshine, Stephens, Thorn Ridge and Ulises Valdez
HARVEST DATES September 6 – October 15, 2012
FERMENTATION 46% new French oak / 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.6%
PH 3.58
TA 5.9 g/L
BOTTLING DATE February 10-13, 2014
AROMA
This beautifully complex wine shows layered aromas of rich, warm fennel and sage spices mingled with the red and dark fresh fruit components of red raspberry, crushed ripe black cherries, and a hint of rose petal.
PALATE
This Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is pure, balanced, lush and focused. Rich chocolate covered cherries come to the front, while fresh ripe raspberries, pomegranate and cola develop throughout the palate, all resting generously on the top of the tongue. The lingering finish wraps around your palate with focus and freshness.
The 2012 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of vineyards that surround our Sebastopol home, which lie in cool areas throughout the Russian River Valley. This region’s climate is sculpted by the regular intrusion of cooling fog from the Pacific Ocean a few miles to the west. The fog usually arrives in the evening, often dropping the temperature 35 to 40 degrees from its daytime high. The fog retreats to the ocean the following morning. This natural air-conditioning allows the grapes to develop full flavor maturity over an extended growing season. The wine shows a range of bright red fruits to brambly voluptuous flavors, all hallmark characteristics of the appellation. The individual lots are all unique, providing distinct aromas and flavors, giving the final blend broad complexity.
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.
