The product is a blend of Russian River appellation fruit from pinot noir vineyards that Winemaker Dan Cederquist has work with for many years. This could be called Dan’s Farmers’ Market blend; the best grapes purchased from the best farmers from Dan’s many years of winemaking experience in the Russian River. This is classic Russian River Pinot Noir; elegant, silky and smooth. Mouthwatering black cherry flavors are framed with cream, vanilla, earth and a subtle note of spice and cranberry. Serve with an appetizer of warm Brie or entrees like mushroom risotto or seared duck breasts.
Blend: 94% Russian River Pinot Noir, 5% Dunnigan Hills Syrah, 1% Tannat
Production: 975 cases
2010 was one of the coolest vintages in Russian River Valley history except for one intense heat wave prior to harvest. Our growers hand selected fruit grown only on the shady side to ensure only the best tasting fruit was brought to the winery.
The grapes were hand harvested in half-ton bins and destemmed into small open-top fermentors. 10% whole clusters were added to the bottom of each fermentor prior to adding the de-stemmed grapes. Must was then chilled to 45°F for 48 hours for its cold soak to enhance the berry aromas and sweet candy quality. After the cold soak, the tanks were allowed to warm naturally and slowly for the native fermentation to start. Once started, the tanks were punched down several times a day to extract all the richness without any bitter or astringent qualities. The wine was pressed off at dryness and then aged in French oak barrels for nine months. The final blend contains a small percentage of syrah and tannat to enhance richness and structure.
