2002 Perennial - Proprietal Red Wine Blend
Tasting Notes
Our 2002 Perennial once again resists being categorized. Does the Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, or Syrah dominate the nose? Is the palate more Burgundian or more Rhone-like? It seems the answers are different for everyone - although all are in agreement that this wine is ready to enjoy now with hearty Fall fare and should easily stand up to 1 - 2 years of further cellaring if so desired.
The nose this vintage is definitely red fruit driven. This can be attributed to the rise of Pinot Noir back to a higher percentage and a more floral, fruity character in our 2002 Syrah. Deep red fruit aromas of plum, strawberry jam, and pie cherry are accented by spicy notes of clove, smoke, and very subtle toasty oak. The palate is rich and round yet with good grip and a crisp flavorful finish.
Blend
- 55% Pinot Noir
- 17% Syrah
- 25% Pinot Meunier
- 3% Chardonnay
Vineyards
Sourced from 100% Sonoma County fruit with appellations including Sonoma Mountain, Russian River, Green Valley, Sonoma Coast, and select lots from our estate here on Camp Meeting Ridge.
Harvest
From early September through early October 2002.
Winemaking
A bit more Pinot Noir in the blend this year has resulted, once again, in wonderfully forward aromatics yet with the return of a red fruit dominated nose with strong notes of plum and strawberry. As always, the goal remains, a wine that is always greater than the simple sum of its parts and one that is immediately enjoyable upon release. Our blend will naturally shift slightly each year depending upon what nature gives us, and what we feel makes the best wine. This keeps it fun and interesting!
Yeast/ML
Primarily native yeast and malolactic fermentations.
Cooperage and Aging
9 months in barrel with approximately 35% new wood.
Bottling
Bottled August 15, 2002; 1881 cases produced.
Final bottling technical information
- pH: 3.53
- Total Acidity: 0.58 g/100ml
- 14.3% alcohol