Our Wines
2006 Russian River Pinot Noir
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About the Vineyard...
The vast majority of this vintage comes from Gilbert Perez’s two acre vineyard in the southwestern corner of the
appellation, only nominally protected by the coastal hills and open to the maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean.
The soils here are loose, sandy, and well-drained, typical for the Russian River Valley, and known for producing
explosive and aromatic fruit flavors.The vineyard is entirely planted with Dijon 115 clones, which add perfumed
aromas and light spice notes to the lush fruitiness obtained from the soils. We balance the Perez fruit, opulent,
and hedonistic, with fruit from the Archer Vineyard, which tends to lift and lengthen the palate, adding layers
and mystery to this heady wine.
About the Vintage...
The 2006 vintage was one of the longest, coolest, seasons we recall. Harvest started in the last few days of
September and stretched into early October giving us a compact and hectic vintage. Our Russian River fruit came
in on September 29, with beautiful acidity and bright aromatics.
About the Wine...
We fermented in our one ton, open-top tanks, layering the bottom 10% of each tank with whole clusters of fruit,
adding structure and spice notes. A warm fermentation with a combination of native and isolated yeasts
produced excellent and focused flavor extraction, complemented and completed with traditional punch-downs
by hand. The wine was aged entirely in Francois Freres cooperage, half new, and racked once, gently, prior to
bottling. Alc. 14.4 %, pH 3.70, ta 6.0 g/l. , r.s. 0.01 g/l. 480 cases produced.
Tasting Notes...
Juicy cherry, lush raspberry, and strawberry fruit followed by layers of red licorice, cola, pepper and baking
spices. Velvety texture with lush sweet cherry, strawberry fruit, and spice echoing on the palate in a long,
lingering finish with bright acidity. The wine is flashy and hedonistic, in the Russian River tradition! Drinks well
at release or will age 4 – 7 years
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