Kenwood Russian River Pinot Noir 2004

Intense aromas of raspberries and dried cherries followed by subtle aromas of spice and vanilla; rich, full-bodied texture with a smooth, long finish.

The 2004 vintage was characterized by a long, cool summer that preserved the grapes' natural acidity, followed by a warm Indian summer in early September that brought them to full maturity.  The vines were harvested in late August and September.  Ten percent of the Pinot Noir crop was whole-berry fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fruitiness of the grape; the juice was then aged in newer French oak barrels for eleven months.  This full-bodied yet smooth Pinot Noir serves up an array of raspberry and plum flavors with a lingering finish.