2008 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
download PDFTasting Notes
Medium-light garnet color. Cherry compote aromas accentuated by Fennel spice and violet. Flavors evocative of roasted meats, olives and citrus add to the complexity. Acidity is balanced with supple tannins to produce a smooth, uplifting finish. Enjoy now or cellar up to 3 years.
Vineyards
This wine is a blend of our Sonoma Coast vineyards. Each year Flowers Ranch contributes an increasing proportion of estate fruit.
- 90% from our Estate Grown Vineyards
- 10% from vineyards under contract, farmed to our specifications.
The full spectrum of Pinot Noir clones is represented in this wine. Older traditional California heirloom selections such as Martini, 2A, and Pommard are complemented by the more recently available Dijon clones (115, 828, 667, 777), as well as low vigor selections from the Swan and Calera vineyards.
Harvest
August 30 through October 10, 2008
Winemaking
Fruit was rigorously hand sorted and fully destemmed with no crushing. Moderate cold soaks (4-5 days), warm fermentations (75-80° 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 14-22 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; 33% new.
Time in barrel = 8-10 months.
Bottling
June 2009
Final bottling technical information
- pH: 3.51
- TA: 0.6 g/100 ml
- Alcohol: 13.8%
Release Date
Fall 2008