2006 PINOT NOIR - RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY / STARR RIDGE VINEYARD

The 24 acre Starr Ridge Vineyard has an easterly orientation and is located in the cool, breezy hills just east of the Russian River, southwest of the town of Windsor. After careful research, four clones of Pinot Noir were selected for planting: Pommard clone 4, Dijon clone 114, Dijon clone 115 and Dijon clone 777. The vines were planted to a high density on low vigor rootstock ideally suited to the site’s soil type.

The 2006 growing season had unusual weather patterns. It was a cool, wet spring, resulting in vigorous vine growth and extra canopy management. This was followed by generally cool weather throughout most of the growing season, except for a July heat wave. Harvest was later than normal. The Pinot Noir yields were above average, with the fruit showing great flavor and structure. The fall sun, combined with cooler than average temperatures, led to complex flavors while preserving the grape’s acidity. The grapes were hand-harvested in the early morning, then, after the clusters were de-stemmed, the must received a 5-day cold soak prior to fermentation. The finished wine was matured in a mix of new and one year-old French oak barrels for 9 months prior to bottling.

This 2006 Starr Ridge Pinot Noir displays a beautifully clear ruby color, with aromas of tart red fruits like cherry, strawberry and raspberry. Creamy vanilla notes frame the fruit, with cranberry, pomegranate, and sweet pipe tobacco lending a hand. On the palate, red fruits predominate, with lingering fine-grain tannins on the finish. This wine pairs superbly with glazed pork tenderloin.