Grape Source
This wine is comprised of 100% Pinot Noir fruit sourced from premier Sonoma Coast vineyards, with the majority of fruit sourced from the Campbell Ranch Vineyard in Annapolis. Set on 26 coastal acres at an elevation of 700 feet, Campbell Ranch is a special place to cultivate cool-climate Pinot Noir. The grapes were harvested between September 5 and October 5, 2007, at an average of 25° Brix.
Vintage
Low rainfall and moderate temperatures in the spring led to an earlier than usual bud break in 2007. Lovely, temperate summer months followed, creating an extended blooming period and growing season that encouraged full development of fl avor and color concentration in the fruit. Harvest began in mid-August with near perfect conditions. A smaller than average crop size combined with moderate temperatures yielded wines of exceptional varietal character, richness and approachable structure.
Winemaking
Yields from the rugged and cool Sonoma Coast are always low, and the 2007 vintage was no exception. Grapes were destemmed, not crushed, transferred to small stainless steel fermenters and underwent a three-day cold soak prior to fermentation. After alcoholic fermentation fi nished, the wine was pressed off to three separate barrel lots to undergo malolactic fermentation, then racked off the lees and returned to French oak barrels for aging. The wine aged in 51% new oak and 49% used oak barrels for a total of nine months before the individual lots were racked, blended together and prepared for bottling.
Winemaker Notes
Showing a brilliant, black plum hue, this Pinot Noir exudes aromas of ripe blackberry, red currant, plum and rose petal. The intense fruit is tempered with hints of vanilla, toast and a mild earthiness. The texture is silky with bright fl avors that echo the aromas, especially the luscious blackberry notes and hints of wild strawberry. The fi ne-grained tannins leave a lingering fi nish that is classically Pinot Noir.
Appellation
Sonoma Coast
Acid
5.6g/L
pH
3.61
Alcohol
14.5%
Cases Produced
2,398
Bottled
September 2008
Released
July 2010