Terroir-inspired aromas of pennyroyal and sassafras shine through on the nose, alongside notes of plum, hard cherry candy, clove, nutmeg and earth. The entry is round and silky, offering a broad spectrum of berry flavors, ranging from dark red fruit to blueberries and blackberries, all supported by posh oak and undertones of tobacco, leather and earth. An excellent tannin structure adds to the appealing texture of this wine and leads to a finish supported by refreshing acidity.
The 2009 harvest began at a measured pace in our Confluence and Gowan Creek vineyards, before the arrival of a ten-day heat wave. This heat wave was beneficial for two main reasons. Not only did it push the fruit in the warmer end of our valley to perfect ripeness, it allowed the vineyards in the colder “deep end” to catch up from a cool growing season. Just as important, the heat was followed by an extended cool-down, which essentially “held” the fruit in perfect balance as we picked block by block to garner the best wines.
HARVEST INFORMATION
Appellation: Anderson Valley
Harvest Dates: September 10 – October 22, 2009
Average Sugar at Harvest: 25.0? Brix
7 Vineyards Harvested
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%
0.47 g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH: 3.75
Bottled: January 2011
Released: March 2012