2005 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley / Allen Vineyard Hillside Blocks

94 points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine

GRAPE SOURCE
Allen Vineyard, located on Westside Road, was planted in the 1970’s by the Rochioli family. The Hillside Blocks (Pommard clone) are adjacent to the Rochioli Vineyards, in one of the finest growing regions in the state. This is one of the oldest plantings of pinot noir in the Russian River Valley and one of the most desirable fruit sources for premium pinot noir producers.

WINEMAKING
We have the privilege of purchasing pinot noir fruit from several blocks within the Allen and Rochioli Vineyards, which provides several bottling options. This particular vineyard designate bottling was produced from the Allen Hillside Blocks, located on an east facing slope. The clone, the meticulous farming, the location, the climate and the soil are the key factors that make the wines produced from this vineyard (and the Rochioli Vineyard) so exceptional. Careful processing and handling of this fruit from vineyard to bottling provides us with a wine of great extraction, remarkable stature and huge expressions of fruit. Enjoyable now, but begs for several years of careful cellaring. Purchase now, as this small production of 296 cases will sell out quickly.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
The long, cool 2005 growing season produced a wine with great elegance and balance. It shows aromas of black cherry and blackberry fruit, with hints of violet, leather and smoke. This Pinot Noir is brimming with ripe, concentrated fruit on the palate, along with youthful tannins and bright acidity on the finish. Several years of careful cellaring will mature and refine this wine. Try it with Tournadoes of Beef wrapped in bacon.

Bottled: July 28, 2006
Winemaker: Susan Reed
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14.4%
Case Production: 296
Acid/pH: 0.67/3.46
Released: March 1, 2008
Appellation: Russian River Valley

PAST VINTAGES
2004 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Allen Vineyard Hillside Blocks
2003 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Allen Vineyard Hillside Blocks
2002 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Allen Vineyard Hillside Blocks