2008 Pinot Noir - Santa Maria, Bien Nacido Vineyard

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VINEYARD

With a rich history, beginning in 1837 as a Spanish land grant, Bien Nacido Vineyards have now become one of the most prestigious and best known vineyards in the Santa Maria AVA - a region with a well-deserved reputation for producing world class Pinot Noir. Gary Farrell Winery has sourced fruit from this historic vineyard for more than twenty years. The Pinot Noir was handpicked primarily from the legendary Q block. We are honored to receive fruit form this block of the vineyard as only a few fortunate producers receive fruit from this source.

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 Bien Nacido Pinot Noir shows medium plus intensity in appearance, with a water rim to a ruby core in color. The developing nose has medium plus intensity and shows bright, fresh red fruits like plum, red cherry, cranberry, and strawberry. Additional notes of earth, vanilla and warm spices like cinnamon, clove and nutmeg support the bright fruit. The palate confirms the nose with medium acidity and body and medium plus flavor intensity and length. Pair this elegant, well-structured and expressive beauty with roasted pork or seared duck dishes. (Tasted August, 2010)

TECHNICAL NOTES

• AVA: Santa Maria Valley
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Harvested: September 19 & 25, 2008
• Bottled: December 9, 2009
• Cases Produced: 475
• Lab Analysis: 14.1% alcohol, 3.49pH,6.70 gm/L acidity
• Release Date: September 1, 2010

PAST VINTAGES
2006 Pinot Noir - Santa Barbara County, Bien Nacido Vineyard
2005 Pinot Noir - Santa Barbara County, Bien Nacido Vineyard