2008 Pinot Noir - Carneros / Ramal Vineyard

VINEYARD

The Ramal Vineyard is located in Carneros on south-facing slopes overlooking the San Pablo Bay, a northern branch of San Francisco Bay. In addition to the sand and clay-based soils that predominate in Carneros, this vineyard features rocky sections of a type seldom seen in Carneros. This wine is made from hand-harvested Pinot Noir Dijon Clone selections culled from choice vineyard blocks of this venerable estate.

Grand Crew members, please log in to purchase this wine.

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 Ramal Vineyard Pinot Noir shows medium intensity in appearance with a dark core ruby color. The developing nose shows medium plus intensity with aromas of ripe black cherries, baked plums and a touch of strawberry jam. The fruit is complemented by warm spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg and other nuances of smoke and chocolate. The palate confirms the nose and shows medium plus intensity and length along with medium acidity and body and supple, round tannins. Pair this hearty wine with lamb or sausages.

TECHNICAL NOTES

AVA: Carneros (Sonoma)
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Harvested: September 5 to 13, 2008
Bottled: July 25, 2009
Cases Produced: 778
Lab Analysis: 14.2% alcohol, 3.54pH,
6.38 gm/L acidity
Release Date: September 1, 2010

Username:
Password:
	Always Remember Me On This Computer