Wine Description & Statistics
click image to close window Arita Hills Vineyards
2005 Pinot Noir
Nestled in the Santa Rita Hills of the western Santa Ynez Valley, and across Santa Rosa Road from our Lafond Vineyard, Arita Hills Vineyard is located in prime Pinot Noir country.

As we continue our relationship with Arita Hills Vineyard, Winemaker Bruce McGuire will seek out specific areas within this vineyard that exhibit elevated concentration and complexity due to soil, exposure and clonal selection.

The 2005 Pinot Noir was harvested from the top of the vineyard in a section that “stressed” early and consequently was harvested before most of the vineyard. This selection consisted of three clones: 29% 777 clone, 29% 115 clone and 43% 667 clone. 2005 was a terrific growing year and Pinot Noir yields were much improved comared to the previous three years.

This wine shows supple texture and flavor backed by firm acidity. These young vines still show more perfumed character than the more established vines in our vineyard, but we are seeing more complexity of flavor as the vines become established. In this wine’s youth, a little “air time” via decanting will help the flavors marry. Bottle aging through 2010 will be beneficial.

The complexity and depth of flavor make this Pinot Noir a great match with savory foods such as Copper River salmon, hearty mushroom dishes and stewed meats.
Suggested Retail Price: 42.00

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HARVEST
Dates: September 10-12, 2005
Vineyards: 100% Arita Hills
Vineyard,
Santa Rita Hills
Sugar: 24.8-26.1 Brix
WINE
Barrels:
100% French Burgundy Oak ,
42% New Barrels.
Total Acid: .66
pH: 3.49
Alcohol: 14.4%
Sugar: Dry
Production: 279 cases

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