2004 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley / Starr Ridge Vineyard Dijon Clones

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 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 aging. After 12 days of “cold-soak” and fermentation, the wine was aged in French oak barrels, 40% new. For this bottling, we chose to blend 65% clone 4 and 35% clone 115. The 2003 vintage shows amazing color and flavor extraction, yet retains the elegance and balance that are the trademarks of our style of winemaking. We feel the 2003 Pinot Noirs are tremendously structured, ageworthy wines.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
This is a beautiful dark ruby colored wine with aromas and succulent flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cedar and a hint of rose. The dense fruit is complimented by structure-building tannins and luscious oak on the palate. Enjoy this very sophisticated, balanced and intriguing pinot noir for many years. The flavors are endless, with layers that continue to evolve. We feel the 2004 Pinot Noirs are tremendously structured, age-worthy wines.

Bottled: December 1, 2005
Winemaker: Gary Farrell
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14.3%
Case Production: 179
Acid/pH: 0.72/3.40
Released: November 1, 2006
Appellation: Russian River Valley