This is our third vintage. We have increased Pinot production to 300 cases given the outstanding response to the previous two. Our Pinot Noir vineyard in the Oak Knoll appellation of the Napa Valley gets a little more sunshine during the day than the neighboring Carneros appellation, but still benefits from the cooling Bay breezes at night. It is an ideal mix for a deliciously rich Pinot Noir. The fruit is bright, and 50% new French oak aging adds elegance

This, like all of our wines, is 100% estate grown, and it comes from a single Napa vineyard. The wine is custom crushed at Judd’s Hill on the Silverado Trail north of Napa, where we benefit from the experience of Kenn Vigoda’s 25+ years of making outstanding Napa wines.

After being hand-picked, the wine is cold soaked on skins, gently pressed and aged in 50% new French oak from Marsannay and Francois Freres for eleven months.

The wine has a jewel-like hue, with a lovely bouquet of ripe strawberries. The flavors of black cherry and blackberry are accentuated by creme brulee on the finish. It is gentle enough to pair happily with salmon but has enough structure and body to complement chicken, pork or even lamb.

While drinkable now, this wine will continue to improve in the bottle. Drink through 2014.

Wine Specs

Vintage 2009

Varietal Pinot Noir

Appellation Oak Knoll

Vineyard Designation Wulff Vineyards

Alcohol 14.1%

Cases Produced 300