2007 PINOT NOIR - CARNEROS / RAMAL VINEYARD

2007 in Carneros was a vintage marked by a dry winter, and a growing season that was fairly mild and cool. With some unsettled weather during bloom, there was some shatter which led to a lighter crop than normal, especially with Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Berry size was small, which led to great concentration in all varieties. Late August heat got harvest rolling with mild weather following through September, giving ideal ripening conditions for all our varieties. The Ramal Vineyard is located in Carneros on south-facing slopes overlooking the San Pablo Bay, a northern branch of San Francisco Bay. In addition to the loam and clay-based soils that predominate in Carneros, this vineyard features some rocky sections with cobble stones - a type seldom seen in Carneros. This wine is made from hand-harvested Pinot Noir grapes -Dijon Clones 115, 777 and 667, selected from choice vineyard blocks of this venerable estate.

The grapes used to make this wine were harvested on September 4-15th, destemmed and left to cold-soak for five days prior to the start of fermentation. The grapes were then fermented in stainless steel vats and matured in 100% French oak barrels for nine months, 50% new, 21% one year old and 29 % two year old, prior to bottling in late July of 2008.

The 2007 Ramal Vineyard Pinot Noir exhibits aromas of ripe red cherry and strawberry intertwined with warm spices, pipe tobacco and crème brulee. Flavors of cherry cola, strawberry and rose water are mixed with vanilla, leather, dried tobacco and cocoa powder from the toasty oak. The wine is balanced with medium acidity, alcohol and body, and ripe fine-grain tannins and will age beautifully for another five years.