2007 Pinot Noir, Carneros

Price: $30.00
Qty.  

"Shows the lusciousness and silky texture you want in a good Pinot Noir. With oak-inspired flavors of grilled cherries, raspberries, Dr. Pepper cola, sandalwood and cinnamon spice, it has a fine acid-tannin structure." S.H.
WINE ENTHUSIAST - 91 POINTS

ORIGIN:  The grapes for this Pinot Noir came from four excellent vineyards on both the Sonoma and Napa sides of Carneros, including Alta Vista, Beau Terroir, and Champlin Creek.  Our own Wildcat Mountain Estate Vineyard, high up in the hills on the extreme southwestern edge of the Carneros AVA, also plays a very significant role in the blend.  Wildcat’s influence can be seen in the dark color, full body, and complexity of the wine.

VINEYARD NOTES:  The 2007 growing season was very close to perfect.  No spring frosts, no serious hot spells, and no significant rain prior to harvest.  All of our grapes achieved optimum flavor ripeness without excessive sugar levels, and maintained their natural acid balance.  Yields were moderate, averaging three or four tons per acre, but Wildcat was lower than that, being stingy with its exceptional fruit as always. Ripening was quite spread out, with the Pinot Noir coming into the winery over a leisurely four-week period between September 4 and October 6, 2007.

WINEMAKING NOTES:  All of the grapes were destemmed into open-top fermenters using our gentle new destemmer.  Following a three-day cold soak to boost color without increasing tannins, the tanks were inoculated with yeast.  The caps were managed with a combination of punchdowns and pumpovers to maximize positive extraction, and the must was gently pressed when dry. The resulting wines were aged in French oak barrels, 30% of which were new, for ten months, with a single gentle racking under inert gas to assemble the blend in late March.  Bottling took place from August 6 through 8, 2008.

TASTING NOTES:  Very dark garnet in color, this Pinot is a positive explosion of big ripe black cherry fruit.  The aromas are enhanced by hints of cinnamon and clove.  In the mouth the wine is full and luscious, soft and round, but with lots of impact.  The balance is nearly perfect.  Almost too delicious not to drink now, but should still age quite nicely.

This vintage produced 5064 (750ml) cases.

Current Releases