2005 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley / Starr Ridge Vineyard

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91 points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine

GRAPE SOURCE
The 24 acres of Starr Ridge Vineyard are owned by Gary and Debbie Farrell. The site has an easterly orientation and is located in the cool, breezy hills just east of the Russian River and southwest of the town of Windsor. After careful research, four clones of Pinot Noir were selected for planting: Pommard clone 4, Dijon clone 114, Dijon clone 115 and Dijon clone 777. The vines were planted to a high density on low vigor rootstock ideally suited to the site’s soil type.

WINEMAKING
The 2005 growing season was long and cool, producing a generous crop of fruit with excellent flavor development and balance. The grapes were hand-harvested in the early morning, then, after the clusters were de-stemmed, the must received a 5-day cold soak prior to fermentation. The finished wine was matured in a mix of new, one and two year-old French oak barrels for 9 months prior to bottling.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
This 2005 Starr Ridge Pinot Noir displays beautiful dark ruby color with aromas and succulent flavors of black cherry and blackberry with hints of cedar and rose. The dense fruit is braced with firm tannins and seasoned with vanilla and toast oak notes. Enjoy this very sophisticated, intriguing Pinot Noir over the next decade as the flavors continue to evolve. This wine pairs beautifully with braised lamb shank and polenta.

Bottled: July 2006
Winemaker: Susan Reed
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14.4%
Case Production: 935
Acid/pH: 0.69/3.48
Released: September 2007
Appellation: Russian River Valley

PAST VINTAGES
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