2008 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Starr Ridge Vineyard
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VINEYARD
This 24 acre property has an easterly orientation and is located in the cool, breezy hills just to the east of the Russian River and southwest of the town of Windsor. After careful research, four clones of Pinot Noir were selected, Pommard clone 4, Dijon clone 114, Dijon clone 115 and Dijon clone 777. Due to the high density of planting at the vineyard, low vigor rootstocks that are compatible to the soil profile were selected.
WINEMAKING NOTES
The 2008 growing season was a roller coaster year. It began with dry warm weather that started vines growing early. Then there were freezing temperatures during the spring (down to 23 degrees F. in some areas of Sonoma County) causing some damage due to frost, followed by excessive heat and high wind during bloom. Thereafter we had slightly above average temperatures, followed by slightly below average temperatures all summer long. From a winemaking perspective, the dry growing season produced the benefit of inducing "moderate stress" on the vines, which limited growth of the canopy and focused the vines' energy on the grapes. The smaller berries with the slightly lighter crop combined to produce beautiful concentrated fruit flavors.
TASTING NOTES
The 2008 Starr Ridge Pinot Noir has medium intensity in appearance, showing a core ruby color. The developing nose has medium intensity and shows notes of cranberry, red cherry, fresh plum and candied red fruits, balanced by cinnamon, leather and earth. The palate confirms the nose with medium plus acidity, body and length and ripe, fine-grained tannins. This is a wine with great structure, possessing lively, refreshing acidity, juicy red fruit flavors and wonderful balance. Serve this gem with roast pork, duck, quail or squab!
TECHNICAL NOTES
- AVA: Russian River Valley
- Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
- Harvested: August 25 & 27, 2008
- Bottled: July 25, 2009
- Cases Produced: 790
- Lab Analysis: 14.1% alcohol, 3.52pH,
6.38 gm/L acidity - Release Date: September 1, 2010
PAST VINTAGES
2007 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Starr Ridge Vineyard
2006 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Starr Ridge Vineyard
2005 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Starr Ridge Vineyard
2004 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Starr Ridge Vineyard
2003 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Starr Ridge Vineyard
2002 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Starr Ridge Vineyard
2001 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Starr Ridge Vineyard
2000 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Starr Ridge Vineyard