2004 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley / Starr Ridge Vineyard
GRAPE SOURCE
This special site is owned by Debbie and Gary Farrell. The 24-acre property has an easterly orientation and is located in the cool, breezy hills just to the east of the Russian River and southwest of the town of Windsor. After careful research, four clones of Pinot Noir were selected, Pommard clone 4, Dijon clone 114, Dijon clone 115 and Dijon clone 777. Due to the high density of planting at the vineyard, low vigor rootstocks that are compatible to the soil profile were selected.
WINEMAKING
Each clone was picked and processed separately; from the careful hand sorting to barrel maturation. After 12 days of “cold-soak” and fermentation, the wine was aged in French oak barrels, (40% new). This bottling is a blend of 48% clone 777, 30% clones 114 & 115, and 22% clone 4. The 2004 vintage shows amazing color and flavor extraction, yet retains the elegance and balance we strive for in all of our wines. We feel the 2004 Pinot Noirs are tremendously structured and will age beautifully.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
This 2004 Starr Ridge Pinot Noir exhibits fresh aromas of black cherry, wild raspberry, and a touch of tart cranberry on the nose. The bright fruit aromas are complimented by structure building tannins and luscious oak on the palate. The flavors are endless, with layers that continue to evolve. This wine is well-balanced, clean and complex. The purity of the grapes and the quality of the vineyard show in this wine, which strikes a beautiful balance between its fruit character and structural components.
Bottled: December 2005
Winemaker: Gary Farrell
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14.4%
Case Production: 966
Acid/pH: 0.71/3.42
Released: June 2005
Appellation: Russian River Valley
PAST VINTAGES
2003 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Starr Ridge Vineyard2002 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Starr Ridge Vineyard 2001 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Starr Ridge Vineyard2000 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Starr Ridge Vineyard