2003 Reserve Pinot Noir

Gold Medal, 2006 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

2003 marks our first Pinot Noir from a new estate vineyard, just down the road from the winery.  The Dellamaggiore Vineyard is less than two acres, planted on a south-facing slope in a draw that branches out from the gap to the Pacific Ocean that the Hecker Pass provides.  Planted with a mixture of Dijon clones, this vineyard’s grapes give a depth and complexity of flavors to our 2003 Reserve Pinot Noir.  In the glass, the wine shows a medium ruby color with a slight purplish tinge at the edge.  Aromas of rich plum fruit are framed by floral rose hints over smoky oak.  Flavors are rich and complex, with prominent plum and dark cherry, delicate oak and vanilla, and a lovely herbed mushroom nuance.  The tannins are velvety smooth, and the wine shows an excellent intensity of flavors with a long lingering finish.  Enjoy this wine now, but put some down for a few years to revisit on special occasions.