Tasting Notes

Release Date: Fall 2009

We are committed to a philosophy of non irrigation, or dry farming, and are vastly alone in this belief. The majority of growers prefer to water throughout the summer. With dry-farming the vintage character expresses itself purely and we winemakers have to make our wines with what Mother Nature gives us.

The beginning of 2007 was troublesome; we had one of the worst droughts since 1976. Despite the drought, the crop size was normal. The added stress from the lack of water combined with slow, even ripening and proved to be magical. 2007 was a stellar year for California Pinot Noir.

Fermented entirely on native yeasts with the malolactic occurring spontaneously, this pinot is bottled without fining or filtration. The hallmark of this vintage is the saturating quality of the flavors. Decadent depth, concentration and wholeness stand out—somewhat reminiscent of 1994, another great year.

Given the abundant stuffing of 2007, expect continued positive evolution for another 8 to 10 years.

Production

668

Tech Notes

Yield: 1.59 tons per acre Harvest: August 29th-September 6th Numbers @ Harvest: 24.0 Brix, 3.74 pH, 6.9 grams acidity Barrel Regimen: French Burgundy 50% new; 50% 1 year; aged 12 months in barrel Bottling: August 2008; no fining or filtration Alcohol: 13.8%

Reviews

95 points Robert Parker Jr's The Wine Advocate - February 2010

Issue #187

The 2007 Pinot Noir Estate reveals a darker ruby color as well as more forest floor/floral character intermixed with sweet black cherry, wild strawberry, and spicy notes. There is no evidence of any oak in this full-bodied Pinot. With silky smooth tannins, impressive richness, and admirable elegance, minerality, and purity, it will be even better in 4-5 years, and should last for 12-15+ years.

92 points Wine Spectator - Web Only 2010

Complex and full-bodied, showing savory herb, dried cherry and berry fruit, with anise, mineral and tobacco leaf, gaining depth and nuance and finishing with firm, minerally tannins. Drink now through 2017. –JL

92 points Steve Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar - November/December 2009

Light, bright red.  Sexy aromas of strawberry and raspberry preserves, potpourri, minerals and blood orange.  Graceful, palate-staining red berry flavors are enlivened by juicy acidity and given spine by tangy minerals.  Very fresh pinot with strong finishing cut and lingering notes of blood orange and candied flowers.  This elegant wine reminded me of a high-class wine from Volnay.

90 points Cellar Selection Wine Enthusiast Magazine - July 2010

Sharp in acidity and jammy in cherry-raspberry fruit, with a spicy coat of smoky oak, this young Pinot Noir is just too tough for immediate enjoyment.  This is a wine with a reputation for ageability.  It will probably blossom after 2013 if you drink it now, give it a good decant.—SH