VINEYARD Castaldi, Gantz, Giusti, Jenkins, Keefer Estate, Koplen, Laguna Valdez, Lucky Well, Martinelli Moonshine, and Zio Tony
HARVEST August 21 – September 9, 2015
FERMENTATION 5-ton open tops, wood and concrete too / 5 day cold soak / 14 day average ferment / 2% whole cluster
OAK 44% new French oak / 15 months
ALCOHOL 14.3%
pH 3.52
TA 5.9 g/L
BOTTLING DATE December 15-18, 2015
AROMA
Rainier cherries, black raspberry, rose petals. Potpourri and floral notes
PALATE
Cherries and rose hips, pomegranate and sun drenched raspberries, broadly textured and lasting.
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 contribute 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: 87 micro-lots went into this wine.
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.
