1999 CUVÉE DD SONOMA PINOT NOIR

Vineyard:

The grape source is Demostene Ranch located in the Alexander Valley. The vineyard is the oldest Pinot Noir plantation in this region, and was established with a clone which produces small berries and low yields. The soil is a mixture of clay, silt and limestone. The vineyard is dry farmed and within one mile of the Russian River.

Winemaking and Cellar Practices:

The fully mature grapes were hand-picked, sorted, and crushed. The must was fermented on the skins in wooden cuves for three weeks. The cap was punched down by hand three to four times each day. The must was pressed, settled and transferred to fifty percent new French oak barrels. Following the completion of malolactic fermentation, the wine bottled without racking, fining or filtration in April 2000.

Characteristics:

Demostene Ranch traditionally produces intense wines which pos­sess exceptional fruit definition, combined with a richly tex­tured palate and great length of finish. The particular vineyard characteristics are reminiscent of violets, wild red fruits (cassis and cherries), exotic oriental spices, sous-bois, etc.

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Last modified: April 22, 2011