Russian River Pinot Noir

Hand-sorted while still cold from the field. 8% whole cluster inclusion. Fermented in small, open-top stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts. 5-day cold soak, 16 day maceration. Gentle punchdowns. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrel. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels; 45% new. Coopers: Atelier, Cadus, Damy, Francois Frères, Gauthier, Louis Latour, Remond, Leroi. Unfined and unfiltered.

Vineyard sources: Katherine Lindsay, Schell Ranch, Roger Wishard Estate, Cleary Estate, Goldrock Estate, Fraenkle Cheshire, Dona Margarita. Clonal selection: 828, 777, 115, 667, Calera, Pommard, 114, Mt. Eden, Swan, Beba, ch-96/97, 943, 23,114, 2a. Rootstocks: 101-14, 420a, rg, swz, 3309. Sites: Various soils including Sebastopol Series, Goldridge yellow, sandy clay loam, redclay and coarse, gravelly, loam soils.Yield: 0.9 - 4.5 tons/acre.

Highlighting a collection of estate and grower parcels that are defined by their proximity to the coast and Russian River, the wine displays a crimson hue and aromas of violet, Earl grey tea, and baked sour cherry. The velvet texture on the palate combines with flavors of Damson plum, red clay, and orange peel that ends with fresh acidity that lifts the palate, lengthening the wine’s finish.

Enjoyable with a Brabander goat cheese from Holland or roasted wild mushroom tartine. Serve at 50°-55° F.