PO Box 2486
Napa, CA 94558
(800)810-WINE
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2008 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Vineyard & Winemaking The grapes were from two low yielding vineyards located in cool areas of the Sonoma Coast. It is an area renowned for vineyards that are influenced by wind and fog that slowly matures the fruit and maintain its vibrancy. First, from west of Petaluma is Pommard 4 clone, a clone that produces dark meaty, muscular wines. Second, from a hillside vineyard located southeast of Petaluma, is clone 115, known for its aromatics and lighter color. All the fruit was carefully sorted, destemmed and crushed with high whole berry content. After cold soaking for 4-6 days, they were fermented for 8-11 days with the maximum temperature of 83-85 degrees in an open top tank and small open top fermentors with the emphasis being gentle. The malolactic fermentation took place in the barrel. The wines was racked once, blended and bottled in July of 2009 Tasting Notes The ’08 shows beautifully out of the bottle, with complex aromas of cherries, mushrooms, damp earth, and smoked meat. The tannins are extremely fine, giving the pinot just a hint of backbone to support the concentrated fruit flavors. A fruit-focused palate of black-red cherry and raspberry is lifted by the wine’s vibrant acidity. There’s also a hint of Sonoma Coast’s uniquely “saline” flavor characteristic. The wine finishes long and has sufficient structure and concentration to ensure a great future in the bottle. You might like it better with an overnight aeration as the Pommard clone comes out and gives a peek into the wine's future.
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