Grapes for the 2008 PINOT NOIR came from North of Oliver, a very small vineyard owned by a good friend of mine, Lino Barbbieri. The vineyard is six years old and produces 2-2.5 tonnes of grapes every year. Rich soil, perfect sun exposure, cool nights and the meticulousness of Lino make the perfect formula for the moodiest grapes on Earth.

The wine boasts of cherry, raspberry and anise aromas and flavors with nice integration of cocoa, spice and vanilla bean. This medium to full body wine has nice soft tannins with long lingering fruit and spice.

• Release Date: October 2010
• Price: $34
• Sweetness Code: 00
• Production: only 115 cases
• Availability:

· Select Restaurants  
· Winery Direct

• Blend: Pinot Noir
• Alcohol 14.5%, RS 1.2 g/L, PH 4, TA 5.1g/L
• CSPC: 41095

Pairs well with turkey, duck, salmon, braised veal, pasta with red sauce and wild mushroom risotto.

The Pinot Noir was harvested on the first week of October. The grapes were de-stemmed and lightly crushed into open top fermentation tanks. Temperature control during the fermentation, extended skin contact and Pneumatage twice a day give this wine rich colour and extraction with great complexity and balance. The wine was aged for 12 months in new and 2 year old barrels, 80% French and 20% American. Blending begins two months prior to bottling. The wine is enjoyable now and will continue to improve with careful cellaring for 3 to 5 years. ONLY 115 CASES MADE.