A California Winery Blog

New Release 2005 Arita Hills 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 countryAs 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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