2004 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley / Russian River Selection

GRAPE SOURCE
* Russian River Valley (92%):
Starr Ridge, Cresta Ridge, Starr Creek, Toboni, Stiling, Goldrdge, Rochioli, and Allen
* Santa Barbara County (4%):
Bien Nacido Vineyard
* Carneros (4%):
Buena Vista – Ramal Road

WINEMAKING
The warm weather in March resulted in an early bud break in the vineyards. This lead to one of our earliest harvests in two decades (we began August 9th and finished on September 8th). The growing season, however early, was ideal with no precipitation or excessive heat. Typical daytime temperatures in August were in the high 70s to low 80s, with late night and early morning fog. The weather pattern resulted in the slow, steady maturation of fruit, packing the grapes with intense flavor and substantial color, while preserving natural grape acidity. The wine was aged in 100% French Oak (one-third new, one-third 1 year old, one-third 2 year old) and could prove to be an exceptional and potentially classic wine to emerge from this vintage.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Alluring aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry and strawberry fruit. The incredible richness of this wine centers on succulent dark berry flavors, complimented by lavish, spicy oak elements. This deeply colored pinot noir has evolving layers of complexity, with a silky, sensual, lengthy finish. The 2004 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir shows wonderful balancing acidity ensuring excellent compatibility with a wide range of foods, including salmon, lamb and pork dishes.

Bottled: July 25-28, 2005
Winemaker: Gary Farrell
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14.2%
Case Production: 7099
Acid/pH: 0.67 / 3.44
Released: June 1, 2006
Appellation: Russian River Valley

PAST VINTAGES
2003 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley Selection