Winemaker Notes
The 2005 Scallop Shelf Estate's nose is concentrated with aromas of dark cherry and plum framed by orange peel and lead. The depth of aromas is truly profound. The mouth has medium to full body with breadth and volume though it is not heavy or cloying. The classic cherry notes come from the predominance of Pommard clone Pinot noir bolstered by pluminess from clone 115. As a result the flavors are on the border between red and black fruit. The wine maintains the crisp acidity and relatively low alcohol that are the hallmark of our vineyard yet delivers a full mouth feel and concentration rare in a wine of this profile. The finish is very long with soft tannins that will subside with aging. Flavors of forest floor, mushroom and dried cherry linger on the palate long after the last sip.
The Scallop Shelf is built to last and will not fall apart as secondary aromas develop with bottle age.
Drink one now after a 45 minute decant to gauge the style and cellar the remainder for at least 3-5 years and longer
The Sonoma Coast AVA is large in area but, not counting overlapping regions like Russian River Valley, only has a few thousand acres of grapevines—and it’s no wonder. Much of the region is rugged and not easily accessible. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean’s fog and cool breezes limits the varieties that can be cultivated, but it proves to be an ideal environment for high quality Pinot Noir.
Since fog is a frequent fact of life here, as are heavy marine layers that sometimes bring rain, the best vineyards are wisely planted above the fog line, on picturesque ridges that capture enough sun to provide even ripening. That, with the overnight drop in temperature that reliably preserves acidity, results in fine expressions of Pinot Noir that often receive tremendous critic and consumer praise alike, and are often in high demand.