2008 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
In Stock
91 pts, PinotReport: "rich, ripe, cherry fruit with nice spice tones; silky texture, good structure and balance. Bright, spicy Pinot that is perfect for all occasions. Smart Buy!"
1 puff, Connoisseurs' Guide: "well focused; has the depth to age well"
Wine Specs
Vintage
2008
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Russian River Valley
Harvest Date
The vineyards comprising this wine were harvested from August 28 through September 12, 2008.
Aging
100% French, 30% new barrels for 10 months
Bottling Date
July 8, 2009
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
We select fruit for our RRV Pinot noir from several small, hands-on growers located throughout the Russian River Valley in order to create a wine that represents our appellation as a whole. The fog-cooled climate and rich alluvial soils of the Russian River Valley provide the perfect conditions for growing Pinot noir. The appellation lies in an area of maximal summer coastal fog incursion providing temperate days and very cool nights resulting in wines with a bright natural acidity and full fruit flavor development due to the slow ripening and long hang times.
Production Notes
The 2008 growing season was remarkable for a very cold and very dry spring requiring frequent use of frost protection systems. The summer fogs were less frequent than normal producing somewhat warmer weather and therefore some earlier harvests.
Winemaker Notes
After sorting, the grapes were gently destemmed into small, custom designed open top fermenters and kept below 50°F for a five day cold soak. Tanks were then individually warmed to allow fermentation to take place in a timely manner followed by cooling as needed to maintain temperatures below 85°F. Thrice daily pneumatic punch downs took place during the cold soak and fermentation. Once dry, the wine was gently pressed in a membrane press keeping free run and press fractions separate. Malolactic fermentation took place in oak barrels.
Food Pairing Notes
Almost everything! This is the "universal" wine.
Production
1834 cases