Winemaker Notes
 

Earth: This vineyard produces superlative pinot noir grapes. San Remo stretches 5.24 acres just off Rich Hurst Road in the Russian River Valley. Found high on a rolling ridge, this east facing vineyard enjoys the cooler early morning sun. San Remo’s soil is typical of the Goldridge series - made up of decomposed granite offering excellent drainage. In 2007, San Remo was farmed using only certified sustainable methods.
 

Nature: San Remo has clear marine influences. High winds through the vineyard reduce growth on the leaf canopy helping to reduce the vigor and yield of the vineyard. With Pinot Noir, lower yields are ideal as fewer clusters per vine help concentrate flavors in the grapes.

Man: We handled this wine with great tenderness and care and a minimum of intervention. All three Dijon clones are planted, with 667 making up the majority of the acreage. In the vineyard we double cane prune to help ensure even ripening. In the 2007 vintage, the grapes were hand harvested at night in cool temperatures to keep the sugars intact and the fruit fresh. Instead of crushing, the pinot noir was gently destemmed keeping the whole berries undamaged. The fruit and juice were gravity fed into open topped fermenters and cold soaked for five to six days to extract color and red cherry aromas. Native yeast fermentation gives this wine an extra layer of complexity, adding earthy aromas and gentle tannins. Finally, the wine underwent concurrent spontaneous malolactic fermentation over a four month period.

Tasting Notes
Our San Remo Pinot Noir has initial aromas of spice and nutmeg. In the mouth the wine has a rich rhubarb
quality with hints of tart cranberry and red cherry.Balanced acidity gives the wine an elegant leanness
typical of classic Pinots.