 2007
This blend of wines has been
made from grapes sourced from vineyards in the Sta.
Rita Hills appellation, namely Quinta Santa Rosa (clones
667 and 777), Fiddlestix (clones 115 and 667), Rancho
la Viña (clone 2A) and Rio Vista (clone 2A).
The vineyards were harvested individually during late
September through October. After de-stemming, the berries
were cold soaked for 5-7 days with twice-daily mixing.
Fermentations were conducted using either RC 212 or
Assmanshausen yeast with temperatures maintained under
90º F. Free-run and press wines were barreled
separately using one-third new French Oak, one-third
1-3 years old French Oak and one-third neutral French
Oak barrels. After approximately 18 months in barrel,
the
final blend was bottled without fining or filtering.
The wine is red-purple with an elegant blue cast. The
nose is distinctively varietal but without being overly
fruity. Red-fruit notes are abundant in the mouth and
beautifully married with subtle tannins, which combine
to produce a long, elegant finish. 292 cases produced.
Please
click here for a printable version of these notes.
 2006
Approximately
half of the Appellation Cuvée derives from
our own steeply sloping vineyard, Quinta Santa Rosa.
Grapes
from both our clone 777 planting, as well as those
from vines rooted as cuttings from Julia’s
Vineyard (Cambria’s), were used. We also sourced
grapes for this elegant cuvée from Rio Vista
and Fiddlestix vineyards (clones 667 and 115, respectively,
each approximately
25% of the total). The grapes were harvested at or
before daybreak, cold soaked for 5 days after de-stemming,
and fermented slowly using Assmanshausen yeast, which
is notable for producing slow, cool fermentations.
The
free-run and press fractions were barreled separately
(all French oak: 1/3 new, 1/3 1-3 years-old, and
1/3
neutral) and inoculated to produce a full, secondary
malolactic fermentation. The final blend was made
after
21 months in barrel, after which it was held in bottle
for an additional 8 months before being released
in
June 2009. The wine is characterized by a prominent
Pinot nose with black-cherry and berry flavors that
are complemented by smooth tannins and a lingering
finish. This wine tied for top Pinot Noir at the
2009 Chicago
World Wine Championships. 409 cases produced.
Please
click here for a printable version of these notes. |
