Once again, the organically farmed grapes from Jim Haire’s vineyard in the renowned Carneros appellation provided us with an excellent opportunity to highlight what Carneros Pinot Noir has to offer in what is being heralded as a classic vintage from start to finish. The vineyard is planted to several clones including two of the newer Dijon clones (667 & 777) and the older but well respected Pommard 4 and 115 clones, and has been organically certified since 2006.

The fruit was hand harvested and fermented in small open top stainless steel tanks. Hand punchdowns every six hours during the fermentation ensured a gentle extraction of color and tannin and ten months aging in 100% French Oak barrels has given us a truly delicious wine with excellent depth and complexity.

A medium ruby color and aromas of briary strawberry and raspberry preserves with subtle hints of vanilla give way to a lush, silky palate with more bright fruit, rhubarb and cedar notes. This wine also has a wonderful balance of acidity and tannin.