Winemaker Notes

This Pinot Noir comes exclusively from a 3.3 acre plot on our Lavender Hill Vineyard in Carneros which was planted in 1990. This vineyard is on a lush hilly knoll that gives us small, flavorful clusters. We have selected two clones, the St. Claire and Martini, which have proven to grow well in the cool, breezy Carneros Region. Our winemaking of the Pinot Noir continues to evolve as we learn more about our grapes. Pinot Noir winemaking is very different from Cabernet Sauvignon production. I am enjoying this new challenge! After a cold soak to extract more character, we ferment in open top fermenters and do our "punch downs" by actually walking around the tank. The wine is aged in a selection of 30% new Burgundian barrels. In 1999 we opted for an early bottling of the wine and the results are outstanding!

Professional Ratings

    Flora Springs

    Flora Springs

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    Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.

    Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.

    MET128179_1999 Item# 37381