Hand harvested grapes — 100 % destemmed. Fermented in an open top T-bin. Cap manually punched down four times a day during fermentation. 3 days cold soak and 21 days total cuvaison average. Aged an average of 34 months in French oak barrels. 25% new oak from Tonnellerie Rousseau. Bottled unfined and unfiltered on August 9th, 2011.
This vintage of our Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir perfectly reflects the cool climate vineyards from where it comes. Bright acidity underlies the juicy red cherry flavors that predominate; but hints of red raspberry add lovely high tones. Clean, attractive briary and floral notes mingle with hints of savory spices and tea leaves; and brown sugar and milk chocolate linger in the finish from the new Rousseau barrel used for aging. The soft fine grain tannins of this vibrant and yet accessible wine allow for immediate pleasure.