1995 Pinot Noir, California
Vintage
1995
Price
$18
Release Date
April 1997
Appellation
California
Availability
Select Markets Nationally
Vineyards
- Alexander Valley - Errichetti
- Carneros - Sangiacomo Vineyards
- Russian River - Kent Vineyard
- Santa Maria Valley - Bien Nacido Vineyard
- Sonoma Mountain - Jewell
Grapes
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage
The 1995 vintage varied greatly in the above pinot noir vineyards. In Santa Maria, an unheard of spring hail storm reduced the crop to 3/4 ton per acre and although these were the first grapes crushed the wine had a late harvest character. The spring weather in Sonoma County also conspired against a normal sized crop. The 1995 Pinot Noir is very much the result of this vintage and was produced with more intensely colored and flavored grapes than past vintages.
Vinification
Eight lots of grapes were culled from these six ranches, some with yields as low as 3/4 ton per acre, and cold-soaked for 3 days prior to fermentation in open-top 3/4 ton fermentors for higher skin to juice ratio. The wines were aged on their lees in French barrels, initially stirred weekly and gradually less and less, then blended and bottled in March 1997. Alcohol: 13.5% Total Acidity: .58 pH: 3.56 residual sugar: .06 730 cases produced.
Tasting Notes
Intense black cherry and plum nose with layers of spicy oak, berries, plum and herbs from the complex blend. The texture is full and soft with creamy, spicy, black fruit notes ending in an extremely long finish. The wine should continue to improve and will hold well to 2005 and beyond. Excellent with grilled salmon, veal and sashimi.