2005 Pinot Noir - Carneros / Ramal Vineyard

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90 points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
88 points - Wine Spectator

GRAPE SOURCE
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 sand and clay-based soils that predominate in Carneros, this vineyard features rocky sections of a type seldom seen in Carneros. This wine is made from hand-harvested Pinot Noir Dijon Clone selections culled from choice vineyard blocks of this venerable estate.

WINEMAKING
The grapes used to make this wine were harvested on September 9th and 22nd, 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 8 ½ months prior to bottling in late July of 2006.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Elegant and exceptionally expressive, this 2005 Ramal Vineyard Pinot Noir is bursting with clean, vibrant red cherry and raspberry fruit. It has supple tannins and tremendous mouth-filling structure with a long, bright, fresh finish.

Bottled: July 28, 2006
Winemaker: Susan Reed
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14.2$
Case Production: 298
Acid/pH: 0.67/3.44
Released: November 2007
Appellation: Carneros