2008 PINOT NOIR - RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY | RUSSIAN RIVER SELECTION

The 2008 Russian River Selection shows tremendous concentration and power from another strong vintage. Intense aromas of dark cherries and plums are matched with warm spices and a leathery earthiness. The palate show great depth, weight and acidity with a seductive texture leading to a balanced finished.

This Pinot Noir was hand harvested from August 28 to September 17, 2008 and sourced from the famed vineyards of the Russian River Valley.

The 2008 growing season was a roller coaster of challenging weather conditions. A warm, dry spring started vine growth early, followed by freezing temperatures that caused some frost damage, followed by excessive heat and high winds during bloom – and that was just spring! Summer presented us with average to below average temperatures. From a winemaking perspective these weather challenges produced some “moderate stress” on the vines which produced limited canopy growth but focused the vines’ energy on the grapes. The smaller berries and slightly lighter crop combined to produce beautiful, concentrated fruit flavors.