VINEYARD Castaldi, Big Pig, El Diablo, Gantz, Giusti, Graham, Jenkins, Keefer, Koplen, Lancel Creek, Lucky Well, Moonshine, Stephens, Thorn Ridge and Ulises Valdez.
HARVEST August 30 – October 7, 2013
FERMENTATION 5-ton open tops / 5 day cold soak / 14 day average ferment / 100% de-stemmed
OAK 41% new French oak / 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.5%
PH 3.64
TITRATABLE ACIDITY 5.72 g/L
BOTTLING DATE January 14-16, 2015
AROMA
Bing cherries, black raspberry, rose petals.
PALATE
Cherries and rose hips that blossom to cola, pomegranate and sun-drenched raspberries, culminating with chocolate-dipped oranges that coats the palate and lingers long after.
There are many differences between vineyards in this small appellation but the majority of them do share a common influence – the cooling effect that follows the Russian River inland from the Pacific coast. This fog helps keep nights cool and offers vines a respite from daytime temperatures. In turn, these diurnal temperature swings slow down ripening and promote more evolved flavors in our grapes. We work with vineyards that span a diverse and varied view into a region that many would call the heartland of California Pinot Noir. Our goal is to create a wine that showcases the essence of this magical appellation.
Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work with many great vineyards. The selection that contributes to this wine all come from growers that surround our Sebastopol home. There is often a recognizably full mouthfeel and texture to the wines from the area – a common thread to the components of this blend and a feature we are drawn to every vintage.
Fact of Note: Composed from numerous micro lots.
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.
