2007 PINOT NOIR - RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY / RUSSIAN RIVER SELECTION

This Pinot Noir was hand harvested from August 28 to September 29, 2007 and sourced from famed vineyards of the Russian River Valley including: 12% HALLBERG VINEYARD 11.53% STEPHENS VINEYARD 11% BVC VINEYARDS 9% CRESTA RIDGE VINEYARD 8.4% WILLIAMS SELYEM VINEYARD 6% KUNDE VINEYARD 6% PETERS VINEYARD 6% STARR RIDGE VINEYARD 6% TOBONI VINEYARD 5% STILING VINEYARD 5% ROCHIOLI VINEYARD 4% ARCHER FAMILY VINEYARD 3.5% BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD 3% MCINTYRE VINEYARD 3% SINGLER

2007 was another example of our region’s remarkable consistency. The short rainy season with less than usual amounts of rain, coupled with the warm spring temperatures led to an early bud break. Subtle spring heat spikes and wind conditions contributed to varying degrees of “shatter” in the vineyard. “Shatter” is when flowers bloom on the vine but don’t get pollinated, thus preventing their development into berries. This shatter, together with the previous year’s large yields, led to a relatively light crop which in turn resulted in smaller berries showing very intense flavor and great color. Once bud break occurred, our weather steadied, making for near perfect ripening conditions which lasted all the way through harvest. It certainly appears that the 2007 vintage from the Russian River Valley will turn out to be one of significant depth and concentration.