2002 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley / Rochioli-Allen Vineyards

GRAPE SOURCE
Rochioli-Allen Vineyard, planted in 1974 with Pommard clone and Rochioli Vineyard, blocks that were planted in 1968 and 1969 with some Wente Selection. Joe Rochioli developed and farms the Rochioli and Allen vineyards. These three “old” blocks produce some of the most highly coveted pinot noir fruit in Sonoma County. The extremely low yields contribute to the great structure, intensity and exotic flavors of the wines produced.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
The vineyards are always hand picked in the cool early morning hours, to protect the integrity of the fruit during the delivery and processing. Each block is processed separately; from the careful hand sorting to the barrel aging. The long “cold-soak” that takes place prior to alcohol fermentation, allows the elegant flavors and color to be extracted from the skins. Our success with this bottling is attributable to a complex mixture of variables, including the age of vines, clone and rootstock selection, microclimate, soil and, most importantly, the enthusiastic dedication of the grower.

Bottled: August 2003
Winemaker: Gary Farrell
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14.4
Case Production: 321
Acid/pH: 0.67/3.52
Released: March 2005
Appellation: Russian River Valley