2006 Ramal Vineyard Pinot Noir, Swan Selection

92 points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
91 points, Best Buy - Connoisseur's Guide to CA Wine
4 1/2 Stars - Restaurant Wine

Grape Source

The focus of the Buena Vista Estate Vineyard Series is our remarkable 564-acre Estate vineyard in the heart of Carneros. Set along a south-facing hillside overlooking the San Francisco Bay, this breathtaking property has more than 100 blocks delineated by geology and topography.

Vintage

Budbreak began in early March, followed by a cool wet spring. With water in the soil came vigorous vine growth early in the season requiring diligent canopy management. The summer was good for vine growth with one short hot spell, and warm days. Most of August and September were slightly cooler than normal giving very nice ripening conditions and a slight delay in the start of our harvest of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Carneros. October continued cooler than normal and allowed Syrah and Merlot to mature slowly.

Winemaking

The grapes were hand harvested September 27, 2006, hand sorted and de-stemmed.  Each lot was cold soaked for five days to maximize color and flavor extraction.  Fermentation took place in five ton open-top fermenters punched down three times a day to broaden the texture and complexity of the wine.  After 14 days on skins, the wine was aged in Francois Freres, Demptos and Remond French oak barrels (40% new,  50% 1 year, balance 2-4 year old) for 9 months.

Tasting Notes

The 2006 Swan Selection Pinot Noir has deep purple color with aromas of bright red fruits, cherry, floral delicacy, orange rind, spice and hints of cardamom.  It continues with flavors of racy raspberry and cranberry, candied cherry, nutmeg and candied ginger. The wine lingers with a sweet vanilla finish balanced by great acid and fruit definition.  The Swan Selection Clone of Pinot Noir was planted in 1996 on our Ramal Vineyard Estate and exhibits more focus and bright delicate fruit than the Dijon clones.

Past Vintages

2004 EVS Pinot Noir - Swan Selection Ramal Vineyard