2006 Estate Grown Pinot Noir

Appellation: Sonoma County - Russian River Valley

Tasting Notes: Heavenly aromas of dark cherry fruit greet the nose.  Integrated flavors of ripe berries and warm spice tones fill the mouth and lead to a smooth full bodied finish.  This elegant wine with concentrated fruit will continue to mature and become more complex.  Delicious paired with salmon, pork, and chicken.

Vineyard Character: This two acre O’Connell Vineyard™ parcel is 100% Pommard clone on 104-14 rootstock. The gravelly Gold Ridge loam is the distinguishing characteristic of the Vine Hill region that produces the most outstanding Pinot Noir in the world. The vines are trained to double cordons with 15 to 17 clusters per cordon yielding 3.00 to 3.25 tons per acre.  The cool growing conditions with foggy mornings and ample warm sunshine contribute to the complexity of the fruit and the incomparable finish. 

Harvest Date: September 23, 2006

Winemaking: 100 % Pinot Noir grapes carefully hand picked in the cool, crisp mornings of late September to early October; the grapes are hand-sorted and de-stemmed, then cold soaked prior to pressing and fermentation; Sur lie aged with weekly stirrings; barrel-aged ten months in French oak; bottled in July 2008.  Our Pinot Noir is crafted entirely from the Pommard clone.

268 cases and 36 magnums produced.

2006 Estate Grown Pinot Noir Rosé

Appellation: Sonoma County - Russian River Valley

Tasting Notes: This ruby rosé displays refreshing aromas of ripe strawberry and crisp apple.  Florals and citrus combine on the palate and lead to a smooth but lively finish.  Pairs beautifully with brie, toasted almonds and figs; great with fresh crab.

Vineyard Character: This two acre O’Connell Vineyard™ parcel is planted with 100% Pommard clone on 104-14 rootstock. The well-drained gravelly Gold Ridge loam is unique to the Vine Hill region. The vines are a double cordon style with only 15 to 17 clusters per cordon yielding 3.00 to 3.25 tons per acre.  The cool growing conditions with foggy mornings and  ample warm sunshine contribute to the complexity of the fruit and the refreshingly crisp finish.

Harvest Date: September 23, 2006.

Winemaking: 100% Pinot Noir grapes are carefully handpicked in the cool, crisp mornings of late September and early October; the grapes are hand-sorted and de-stemmed then cold-soaked prior to pressing; fermented until dry in stainless steel and oak.  Bottled January 24, 2008 without fining or filtration.

Very limited amount produced.