Artesa Estate Reserve Pinot Noir 2008

2008 was another drought year in Napa Valley, making the vines relatively less vigorous with smaller berries. Bud break in Artesa's Carneros vineyard occurred the usual time -- from mid to late March -- but a severe frost limited the crop size even further. The vineyard team worked hard through the season to ensure even ripeness among the berries. A long heat spell the first week of September signaled the beginning of harvest, however the temperature soon dropped drastically and the weather stayed cool and dry for the rest of the month. Our estate Pinot Noir grapes were hand harvested in September at full maturity.

Heady aromas of raspberry, cherry and wild strawberry jump from the glass, tinged with notes of anise and coriander. Pure and vibrant, the wine delivers sweet red cherry and berry flavors that pick up spicy notes of clove and cinnamon and a hint of toffee on the finish. Fruit concentration, bright acidity and velvety tannins are the hallmarks of this estate-grown Pinot Noir.