2006 Pinot Gris
Cold Creek Ranch,
Los Carneros
Alcohol 14.6%  |  pH 3.31  |  Total Acidity .59
340 Cases Produced

Wine Notes [PDF]

Tasting Notes | Situated in a unique Los Carneros location, Cold Creek Ranch has ideal weather and well drained sandy soil.  These perfect vineyard conditions combined with barrel fermentation produce a rich Pinot Gris with classic crisp flavors of pear and citrus with a hint of caramel.  Serve this smooth and silky wine with seafood, light pasta dishes.

Vineyard | Creekside Vineyard is situated in a special area of the Carneros region, where climatic conditions and well-drained, sandy soil provide the ideal environment for producing classic Pinot Gris. Character-rich fruit combined with barrel fermentation results in a lush Pinot Gris of perfect balance with crisp flavors of pear, citrus and a hint of caramel. Serve this smooth and silky wine with seafood, light pasta dishes.

Vintage | The 2006 vintage was truly a year won in the vineyard. A heat spike that lasted a record 10 days in July had growers nervous about sunburn on the ripening grapes. Then came the rains, which sent us rushing to leaf the vines, allowing sunshine and air to reach the clusters. Botrytis was a threat for a time, especially to Chardonnay. But late October saw a change in the weather and a change in our expectations for the vintage. The rains stopped and the climate warmed, giving grapes the time on the vines needed to reach full maturation. Overall, it was a late harvest of excellent quality fruit.

Winemaking | To craft a Pinot Gris of ample floral fruit and balanced acidity, we whole-cluster press the grapes and then tank ferment them at low temperatures. This allows us to slow the fermentation process and preserve the delicious fruit flavors and aromas in the wine. This Pinot Gris was bottled in March 2007.

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.