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2004 PINOT NOIR: SEA SLOPES RESERVE. Fort Ross Vineyard. Sonoma Coast - SOLD OUT

Wine Specs

Vintage

2004

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Appellation

Sonoma Coast

Harvest Date

Late September, 2004

Acid

.55g/100ml

Aging

23 Months

Alcohol %

14.5

The densely opaque garnet-ruby hued Sea Slopes Reserve Pinot Noir reveals boundless dark cherry kirsch aromas that soar together with sweet currants, black tea, warm earthy spices and a touch of delicate rose petals. Opulent complexity and an expansive palate of ripe plums and black cherries are layered with undertones of cola and echoing hints of spice. A full-bodied velvety rich texture is ideally balanced by the undeniable signature minerality that speaks of the Fort Ross Vineyard. A long and generously plush finale lingers with graceful finesse.

2004 Sea Slopes Reserve Pinot Noir Tech Sheet

Wine Profile

Tasting Notes

The densely opaque garnet-ruby hued Sea Slopes Reserve Pinot Noir reveals boundless dark cherry kirsch aromas that soar together with sweet currants, black tea, warm earthy spices and a touch of delicate rose petals. Opulent complexity and an expansive palate of ripe plums and black cherries are layered with undertones of cola and achoing hints of spice. A full-bodied velvety rich texture is ideally balanced by the undeniable signature minerality that speaks of the Fort Ross Vineyard. A long and generously plush finale lingers with graceful finesse.

Winemaker Notes

The grapes for this Pinot Noir were handpicked in the cool early morning hours in 5 gallon buckets from our very highest slopes. After gentle hand sorting, the fruit was cold soaked for several days and fermented in a combination of 1 and 5 ton fermenters. The caps were punched down 1, 2 or 3 times per day, depending on the stage of the fermentation. The wines were then barreled in a combination of 50% new and 50% used French oak. Throughout the 23 months of barrel aging, the clones and different vineyard blocks were kept separate to maintain their distinct flavor profiles and structural components as blending elements. After 23 months in barrel, the wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Other Notes

After a very early budbreak and warm weather that accelerated vine development, it looked as if we would have a bountiful crop. However the weather turned cold during bloom and there was a very light berry set. Some blocks ultimately produced only a half a ton per acre. The climate was then moderate for most of the growing season but during August and early September there was a period of unusually hot and dry weather. Being so near to the ocean we were able to wait for the desired level of ripeness and fortunately the weather cooled off. The vineyard's marine-moderated climate allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and fully into mid-late September when we harvested small berries with complete flavor development and lively acidity.