2005 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley / Russian River Selection

91 points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine

GRAPE SOURCE
This Pinot Noir was hand harvested from August 30-October 10, 2005 and sourced from famed vineyards of the Russian River Valley including the Starr Ridge, Rochioli-Allen, Cresta Ridge, Stiling, McIntyre, Archer Vineyards.

WINEMAKING
The 2005 growing season was long and cool, allowing for the slow development of flavor and complexity and resulting in beautiful fruit with balance and elegance. After hand-harvesting, the bunches were de-stemmed and allowed to cold soak for 5 days. The grapes were then inoculated with Assmanshausen yeast and fermented in stainless steel before being racked to a mix of new and used French oak barrels for aging.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
This wine opens with alluring ripe cherry, raspberry and strawberry aromas and has plush, succulent dark berry flavors, complimented by lavish, spicy oak elements. It is deeply colored with layered complexity and a silky, sensual, long finish. The 2005 Russian River Selection Pinot Noir shows wonderful balanced acidity ensuring excellent compatibility with a wide range of foods, including salmon, lamb and pork dishes.

Bottled: July 2006
Winemaker: Susan Reed
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14.1%
Case Production:
Acid/pH: 0.67/3.44
Released: June 2007
Appellation: Russian River Valley

PAST VINTAGES
2004 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley Selection
2003 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley Selection