2007 PINOT NOIR - RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY | RUSSIAN RIVER SELECTION

The 2007 Russian River Selection shows tremendous concentration and power from this blockbuster vintage. Intense aromas of dark fruits, particularly cherries and plums, are matched with warm spices and a leathery earthiness. The palate shows great depth, weight and acidity with a seductive texture which leads to a balanced finish that confirms the nose. The 2007 Russian River Selection Pinot Noir shows wonderful balanced acidity and generous fruit that will pair beautifully with grilled rosemary pork tenderloin.

This Pinot Noir was hand harvested from August 28 to September 29, 2007 and sourced from famed vineyards of the Russian River Valley including: 12% HALLBERG VINEYARD 11.53% STEPHENS VINEYARD 11% BVC VINEYARDS 9% CRESTA RIDGE VINEYARD 8.4% WILLIAMS SELYEM VINEYARD 6% KUNDE VINEYARD 6% PETERS VINEYARD 6% STARR RIDGE VINEYARD 6% TOBONI VINEYARD 5% STILING VINEYARD 5% ROCHIOLI VINEYARD 4% ARCHER FAMILY VINEYARD 3.5% BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD 3% MCINTYRE VINEYARD 3% SINGLER

2007 was another example of our region’s remarkable consistency. The short rainy season with less than usual amounts of rain, coupled with the warm spring temperatures led to an early bud break. Subtle spring heat spikes and wind conditions contributed to varying degrees of “shatter” in the vineyard. “Shatter” is when flowers bloom on the vine but don’t get pollinated, thus preventing their development into berries. This shatter, together with the previous year’s large yields, led to a relatively light crop which in turn resulted in smaller berries showing very intense flavor and great color. Once bud break occurred, our weather steadied, making for near perfect ripening conditions which lasted all the way through harvest. It certainly appears that the 2007 vintage from the Russian River Valley will turn out to be one of significant depth and concentration.