Current Releases

2012 Rosé of Pinot Noir
Anderson Valley

Harvest Date:            October 3^rd, 10^th, 2012

Grape Source:            Donnelly Creek Vineyard, Anderson

                                   Valley                           

Blend:                         100% Pinot Noir

Clones: Stang, Elliott, 113, Pommard

Fermentation:            100% Barrel Fermented

Aging:                         Neutral French Oak Barrels

Alcohol:                      14.1%

Total Production:      140 cases

Release Date:            March 2012

Winemaker:               David Tate

Vintage Notes: The warm summer was present all over California, and Anderson Valley was no different. The cool winds off the Pacific Ocean helped temper some of that warmth causing cooler mornings and nights, but very warm afternoons. This allowed a drawn out period of aromatic precursor development.

Winemaking Notes: Immediately after picking the fruit was crushed and de-stemmed into a stainless steel tank that was cooled down to 34ºF with dry ice. The tank jacket kept the must near freezing at which time we drew off the unfermented pink juice from each clone into neutral used Pinot Noir barrels. The fermentation was done in our caves to slow the process down, allowing cooler more fruit driven aromatics to form in the wine. After a few months of settling the wine was racked off its lees and bottled early to retain freshness.

Tasting Notes: The wine is deep pink and very fragrant. Ripe strawberry and cinnamon spice are complemented by fresh roses and white pepper. The wine is richer and lusher than the color suggests, with flavors of sweet cranberry tart and wild berries. There is soft acidity here, but just enough to balance the viscosity. This Rosé is best chilled on a sunny patio day, or would match wonderfully with almost any hors d'oeuvre.

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