Description
From the Winery:
Vineyards:
Our 2023 Rosé is 100% Pinot Noir from diverse appellations: 64% Sonoma Coast, 21% Russian River, 11% Mendocino, and 4% Santa Rita Hills. These microclimates vary widely and add to the diversity of aromas and flavors. Several clones are represented including Dijon 114, 115 & 828, Pommard, Swan, Mt. Eden, Calera, and the newer French ENTAV 777 & 667 clones.
Vintage:
The 2023 growing season started out with a bang. We had a whopping 54” of rain: 3 times the 2022 season! It rained into the spring, so flowering and set were late. Set finished in late May and revealed a very large crop. Summer was “normal”. We had no huge heat spike as we did in 2022. Harvest was also “normal”, smooth, and evenly spaced with good weather.
Fermentation & Aging:
Individual lots were identified as excellent quality, blended, then fermented to dryness with a special yeast from Bandol, a coastal Rosé region in southern France near Côte d’Azur. Harvest commenced in late August and ended in early October. Harvest sugars ranged from 22.0° Brix to 27.0° Brix, and the pH from 3.1 to 3.7. Total acids were generally high, averaging 7.5 g/L. Skin contact averaged 48-50 hours, then juice was drawn off; the saignée (or bleeding) process. Fermentation temperature was 58-60°F, taking about 2 weeks in stainless steel. The wine was bottled on February 8, 2024.
The color is coral pink with seashell hues in the meniscus. Fruit aromas begin with strawberry, Bing cherry, raspberry, and rose petal. Flavors are reminiscent of cranberry and pomegranate with hints of kiwi and lemon zest. There is a bright acidity on the palate, followed by a round, velvety texture. The finish is zesty, crisp, clean, and refreshing, certainly inviting another glass. Enjoy!
Food Pairings: This Rosé is excellent with fresh sliced fruits, savory cheeses, several appetizers, niçoise salad, scallops, shrimp, or with delicate fish such as trout or filet of sole.
