Pinot Noir
Los Carneros 2008
Vintage
Mother Nature provided a dramatic vintage in 2008. Due to a dry Spring, vines pushed early and fell victim to
one of the longest and deepest frost periods in decades. Shortly thereafter, during bloom, temperatures soared
and further damaged the potential crop, resulting in fewer clusters and smaller berries. The Summer season
proved cool, but gave us a week of high temperatures around Labor Day that threw the cellar into a breakneck
pace with many early-ripening varieties. The season ended with relatively cool temperatures, providing
some much-needed hangtime for Cabernet Sauvignon . Overall, the vintage was marked by low yields, yet high
quality; the wines are proving to be well-structured, concentrated, and elegant.
Vineyard
The Pinot Noir grapes for this wine were grown on hillside vineyards in the cool Carneros region. The blend
represents a composite of several Pinot Noir clones from mature vines. The region is noted for its cool climate
and low yields, being situated on the north side of the San Francisco Bay, and is well-known for its Burgundian
-style terroir.
Vinification
The grapes for this Pinot Noir were hand picked in September at 24º Brix. After destemming, the grapes were
whole-berry fermented in open-top fermenters, which were punched down manually to provide maximum flavor
and minimum harsh tannins. Following fermentation, the wine was transferred to small French oak barrels for
eleven months. The barrels were 35% new and 65% used (2nd and 3rd year.) Prior to bottling, the wine received
minimal filtration and fining to preserve the fresh berry flavors.
Tasting Notes
Dark plums, cherry, cola and leather are present in this wine's aroma. The soft vanilla tones from the oak
blend perfectly with the intense fruit core and soft tannins, providing complexity and balance and leading to a
lingering finish.
Ratings & Reviews
2008 Vintage
4 Stars, Exceptional
"Brilliant raspberry color. The nose is wonderfully fresh and complex with scents of cherry and plum with accents of earth, clove, allspice, and oak with hints of campfire embers. The palate echoes the nose delivering beautiful contrasting flavors of sweet and tart cherries with hints of tar, oak, vanilla bean, and brown baking spices. Ideally balanced with true Pinot character. Offered at a sensible price as well."
- Bev X, August 2011 Download PDF
4.5 Stars
"Distinctive; the nose delivers spice, smoke, interest, and intriguing cherry bomb fruit with vanilla and fast oak streaks. From first taste the palate lets you know it’s going to be tough to put down. All the aromatic qualities carry through to the palate in technicolor. A rocking price from a grooving Carneros Pinot. Bargain!"
- Winethropology, August 2011 Download PDF
88 points
"Transparent red in color, this Pinot has aromas of red raspberries, cherries and vanilla, with a touch of earthiness. It’s medium bodied, with red cherry and berry flavors and subtle tannins."
- Tina Caputo, Wine Review Online, July 2011 Download PDF
2007 Vintage
Chairman's Award, Unanimous Gold
2009 Riverside International Wine Competition
Download PDF
Technical Data:
•
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Carneros
• Alcohol: 14.4%
• TA: 0.58 g/100ml
• pH: 3.67
• Oak Aging: 11 months
• Oak Cooperage: French oak, 35% new
• Bottling Date: December 16, 2009
• Production: 2,011 cases
