With excellent weight, a succulent texture and beautifully balanced acidity, this Pinot Noir reflects the depth and diversity of great Anderson Valley winegrowing. The nose offers a sophisticated medley of aromas, including cranberry, anise, chocolate-covered cherry, toasty oak, truffles and wildflowers. On the palate, it is ripe, round and complete, with layered fruit flavors and barrel char notes that echo the complex aromatics.
Despite frost and fire, 2008 was another great year for growing Pinot Noir in Anderson Valley, delivering excellent yields and a beautiful array of fruit. Harvest started on September 9th at our Confluence Vineyard, moved to Gowan Creek, and concluded at our Narrows and Abel vineyards on October 23rd. The beauty of the 2008 harvest was the range of styles it produced. As our vineyards continue to mature, their identities are becoming clearer and clearer, allowing us to make both complex, layered blends, and site-specific wines embodying a focused sense of place.
HARVEST INFORMATION
Appellation: Anderson Valley
Harvest Dates: September 12 – October 25, 2008
Average Sugar at Harvest: 24.9° Brix
3 Vineyards Harvested – Gowan Creek, Confluence and The Narrows
VARIETAL CONTENT
100% Pinot Noir
COOPERAGE
100% French oak Burgundy-style barrels (228 liters)
70% New Oak, 30% Second Vintage
Medium toast: Allier, Vosges and Tronçais Forests
Barrel Aging: 16 months
TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol: 14.5%
0.51 g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH: 3.71
Bottled: March 2010
Released: March 2011