Summary

Vineyard planted in 1994
Vine spacing 6' x 8'
Dijon 115, Swan, and Pommard clones/selections
1103P rootstock
2.3 tons per acre fruit yield

3.73 pH
0.57 g/100mL titratable acidity
14.1% alcohol by volume
New and 1-year old French oak barrels
Aged 18 months
208 cases produced

Vineyards and Winemaking

The grapes for this bottling were sourced from Ted Klopp's exceptional vineyard, which lies on the same sandy/silty Goldridge soils profile as the nearby Dehlinger and Kistler vineyards. While this vineyard is relatively young, it has already gained a reputation for producing luscious vineyard-designate quality wines. Located in the rolling hills just west of the Laguna de Santa Rosa, the climate is cool and the vigor of the vines can be dialed in by controlling the amount of irrigation the vines receive. Clonal material consists of Swan selection, one of the mainstays of North Coast viticulture, as well as Dijon 115 and Pommard clones.

The 2004 vintage began on an auspicious note with budbreak occurring a full two weeks earlier than normal, causing grape growers to lose sleep over worries of frost. Fortunately, the unseasonably warm weather that pushed the vines to an early start continued and thoughts of frost evaporated. A series of heat spikes in May and June, punctuated by an early cycle of cool, foggy days led to a small crop of tiny berries. Although harvest was earlier than normal, the early start to the season allowed for normal hang time with beautiful flavor and tannin development.

Harvested on 4 September, 25% of the grapes were retained as whole clusters and the balance gently destemmed, The must soaked in vat for six days before a native fermentation ensued. Two days later, a small amount of a commercial yeast strain was introduced to ensure completion of the fermentation process. After an extended maceration (34 days from crush to press), the must was pressed and racked to barrels after a night of settling. The wine underwent a long, slow malolactic fermentation and eighteen months of aging in 60% new and 40% two-year-old French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

Bright, candied fruit, raspberry, and a hint of rose petal comprise the primary notes of both the nose and flavors of this wine. Texturally soft, viscous, and round, the palate is supported by very fine-grained tannins and a silky mouthfeel characteristic of Talisman Pinot noirs. The finish is juicy and very persistent.