Our Pinot Noir Blocks 4A, 4B, 5 and 25 are located along Redwood Creek, west of the town of Napa. The elevation is between 200 and 220 feet above sea level. The soil is thin loam on a solid rock base. The climate is moderated by morning fog, and the surrounding hills protect these blocks from the afternoon maritime breeze. The St. George roots were grafted with the Dijon 115 clone, a Joseph Swan field selection and UCD Clone 12. The vines were planted between 1993 and 1998, cordon trained and spur pruned. A six-foot, modified vertical trellis system supports the cordons and canopy. Average production is approximately 2 tons per acre and harvest is usually between August 25 and September 1.

In 2011, bud break in the Pinot Noir Blocks occurred on April 2. Bloom was completed by May 20, and veraison was complete by August 7. Harvest was September 28th, with an average yield of less than 1 ton per acre. Alcoholic fermentation was completed in approximately one week using natural yeasts. At dryness, the wine was pressed and put into barrels for malolactic fermentation. Aging was 11 months in 100% French oak barrels, approximately 50% of which were new.

2011 produced a more delicate range of colors and flavors than we ordinarily see in the grapes harvested from our Pinot Noir blocks. Over the course of the long growing season, crop was reduced to less than one ton per acre in Blocks 4, 5 and 25 to maximize concentration in the grapes. Harvest was at the end of September, almost a month later than usual, due to the consistently cool temperatures.

Pale garnet color. Aromatic notes include cherry, cedar, spice, tea and floral notes. Light to medium body, bright acid, moderate tannins.