Once again, the organically farmed grapes in the renowned Carneros appellation provided us with an excellent opportunity to highlight what Carneros Pinot Noir has to offer in a moderately long, cool vintage. The vineyard is planted to several clones including two of the newer Dijon clones (667 & 777) and the older but well respected Pommard 4 and 115 clones, and has been organically certified since 2006.

The fruit was hand harvested in the second week of October, almost a month later than usual, and fermented in small open top stainless steel tanks. Hand punchdowns every six hours during the fermentation ensured a gentle extraction of color and tannin and ten months aging in 100% French oak barrels, has given us a truly delicious wine with excellent depth and complexity.

A medium ruby color and aromas of dark cherries, briary strawberry and subtle hints of vanilla and lavender give way to a lush, silky palate with more bright fruit, cedar, and toast. This wine also has a great acid/tannin balance that should allow for great aging potential in the years to come.