2003 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley / Russian River Selection

GRAPE SOURCE
* RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY VINEYARDS (88%): Starr Ridge, Cresta Ridge, Starr Creek, Toboni, Stiling, Rochioli and Allen
* SONOMA COAST VINEYARDS (11%): Griffin, Jack Hill and Pratt
* SANTA BARBARA COUNTY (1%): Bien Nacido Vineyard

WINEMAKING
Each vineyard consists of numerous blocks that were individually monitored for maturity prior to harvest. As each block reached our parameters for ripeness, the grower would have them hand picked. When the fruit arrived at the winery, each lot was processed separately, yielding numerous lots of wine to provide many blending options. Varietal wines produced from multiple vineyards often create more interesting and complete wines. This wine is an example of how the many individual vineyard nuances can express themselves in harmony with one another… creating a more complex and intriguing wine. We feel the 2003 Pinot Noirs are tremendously structured, age worthy wines.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Intense aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry and strawberry fruit. The incredible richness of this wine centers around succulent dark berry flavors, enhanced by lavish, spicy oak elements. This deeply colored pinot noir has evolving layers of complexity, with a silky, sensual, lengthy finish. The wonderful balancing acidity ensures excellent compatibility with a wide range of foods, including salmon, lamb and pork dishes.

Bottled: July 2004
Winemaker: Gary Farrell
Alcohol: 14.2%
Case Production: 5068
Acid/pH: 0.67 / 3.45
Released: June 2005