2002 Andreen-Gale Cuvèe Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes
Powerful aromas of dark fruit and boysenberry perfumed with cardamom and orange peel. Spreading plum and cherry flavors. Light crust of sweet oak in the finish. The balance of fruit and acid gives a good sense of focus. Enjoyable upon release — will mellow with further aging.
Vineyards
Fruit sourced from 5 estate vineyards in the coolest regions of the Sonoma Coast appellation, including Camp Meeting Ridge and Flowers Ranch.
Harvest
Late August through mid-September 2002
Winemaking
All fruit rigorously hand sorted and fully destemmed with no crushing. Pre-fermentation "cold soak" 4-5 days depending on lot. Full native yeast primary fermentation. Punchdown frequency depending on tannin structure of the given clone and the dynamics of fermentation. Total skin contact ranged from 16-22 days depending on extraction and balance. All ferments gently basket pressed and put to barrel on full fermentation lees for ML. Minimal racking with only one assemblage (retaining "light lees") in early Spring allowing the blend to "marry" in barrel prior to bottling.
Cooperage and Aging
100% French oak; 40% new barrels. Total time in barrel: 14 months.
Bottling
Bottled unfined and unfiltered in January 2004; 3611 cases produced.
Final bottling technical information
- pH: 3.55
- TA: 0.62 g/100mL
- 14.2 % alcohol
Release Date:
Fall, 2004