2005 Pinot Noir
Giusti Ranch
Russian River Valley
Alcohol 14.5%  |  Total Acidity .79  |  pH 2.98

Wine Notes [PDF]

Tasting Notes | Growing conditions in our Giusti Vineyard are ideal for the cultivation of classic California Pinot Noir. The 2005 vintage produced exceptionally rich wines with ripe blackberry flavors. Layers of dark cherry, dried plum and sweet earth are also present and beautifully integrated with a hint of leather on the back palate. Silky smooth with a lingering finish and medium body, this wine is delicious alone or accompanying a meal. The complex flavors in our 2005 Giusti Pinot make it an ideal pairing with seared ahi tuna, smoked duck or mushroom risotto.

Vineyard | Rocky red soil and a high elevation are just some of the distinguishing characteristics of this Russian River Valley vineyard that has proven itself perfectly attuned to the cultivation of the wily Pinot Noir grape. Our Giusti Vineyard is planted with three of the most popular Burgundian clones, giving our winemaker the ability to create a single-vineyard blend with depth and body that remains silky smooth on the palate.

Vintage | What began as a heartbreakingly difficult growing season with a cold, wet spring and periodic rains throughout the summer, would become one of Sonoma’s most surprising standout vintages. As harvest approached, we knew that a single rainy day could cost us the vintage. But instead of rain, we got a miracle: 30-plus days of perfect Indian summer. What’s more, the grapes continued to gain weight late in the year, which slowed and lengthened the ripening process. This bit of serendipity combined with great weather brought our grapes to optimal ripeness. We picked the last grapes on November 11—the latest ever for us in Sonoma. A truly exceptional harvest, 2005 saw both exquisite quality and superb yields.

Winemaking | To fully express the Russian River Valley vineyard character in this classic California Pinot Noir, our winemaker begins by cold soaking the fruit for two to three days. This is followed by fermentation in small open-top fermentors and two to three punch downs by hand each day. Careful attention to every detail is essential with this small-production Pinot Noir.

Benziger Farming Practices | At Benziger Family Winery, we are dedicated to winemaking that reveals the true character of the vineyard, the varietal and the vintage in certified-sustainable, -organically grown and  -Biodynamic® wines defined by individuality and the passion of the people who make them. Through our commitment to natural farming and environmentally and socially responsible business practices, we strive for sustainability and the preservation of our Sonoma Mountain family winery for generations to come.

This wine was made with grapes grown by sustainable farming methods. (With the 2007 vintage, this wine will be certified sustainable.) Our sustainable philosophy promotes natural vineyard management, restoration of the land and biodiversity on the estate. We believe these practices result in wines that reflect the authentic flavors, aromas and character of the vineyard.