Byron Nielson Vineyard Pinot Noir 2004

Planted in 1964, Nielson Vineyard is the oldest commercial vineyard in Santa Barbara County. It is farmed to an average yield of less than three tons per acre. Ranked as a Climate Region I — the coolest of the five grape-growing regions on the U.C. Davis scale — Nielson Vineyard enjoys soils that are lean and well drained. These conditions are ideal for minimizing plant vigor, thereby creating low yields, small berries, and intensity of flavor in the fruit. After a decade of experimentation, Byron is able to pinpoint the ideal clones, rootstock, and planting density to provide the highest quality Pinot Noir.

This wine is complex and richly layered, displaying aromas of dark cherry and rose petals with hints of brown spice and earthiness. The flavors are bold and reveal remarkable extraction and concentration with nuances of red and dark cherry, plum and brown spice.