2004 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes
Fresh fruit aromas of cherry, plum, and raspberry are followed by hints of sandalwood, mineral, and leather. This wine offers crisp acidity upon entry unfolding with flavors of plum, raspberry and spice. Tannins are supple creating a long, soft finish. Enjoy now or cellar up to 3 years.
Vineyards
This wine continues to be a blend of several of our Sonoma Coast vineyards. However, an ever-increasing proportion is coming from our estate vineyard off Fort Ross Road, now approaching full production.
- 10% CMR
- 25% Flowers Ranch
- 65% Leased vineyards and those under contract, farmed to our specifications.
The full spectrum of Pinot Noir clones is represented in this wine. Older traditional California selections such as Martini, 2A, and Pommard are complemented by the more recently available Dijon clones (115, 667, 777), as well as low vigor selections from the Swan and Calera vineyards.
Harvest
Early September 2004.
Winemaking
Fruit was rigorously hand sorted and fully destemmed with no crushing. Moderate cold soaks (4-5 days), warm fermentations (85-90° F), and minimal punchdowns (twice a day or less) were done this year in order to adapt to what nature gave us. Total skin contact ranged from 11-18 days with all fermentations being carefully basket pressed and put to barrel on full fermentation lees for ML. Racking was minimal with only one assemblage being done in the spring to allow the blend to "marry" in barrel for a few months before bottling. Mostly native yeast and ML with only small lots conducted using cultured burgundy isolates.
Cooperage and Aging
100% French oak; 35% new. Time in barrel = 12 - 15 months.
Bottling
January 2006; 7394 cases produced.
Final bottling technical information
- pH: 3.6
- TA: 0.590 g/100 ml
- Alcohol: 14.1%
Release Date
Spring 2006