1996 Napa Valley Pinot Noir

Winemakers Notes:

Cases Produced: 141

Varietal %s: 93.9% Pinot Noir, 6.1% Zinfandel; 98.9% Napa Valley, 1.1% Sonoma County

Date of Harvest: August 17th , September 27th, October 5th

Brix at Harvest: 22.5 to 24.5 Brix

Length of Fermentation: 6-8 days with 3-5 days additional skin contact time on avg. (Assmanshausen yeast culture used on 1/3)

End Alcohol: 13.7%

Time in Oak: 9 months in a mix of 1 year (20%) and 3&4 year old French and American Oak

Bottling Date: July 15th, 1997 (No fining or filtration)

The 1996 vintage marked our first commercial attempt at a Pinot Noir using the fruit from our Wild Horse Valley source. This provides the structure and power of the blend. There was also some fruit sourced from the Carneros as well as mid-Valley which plays itself out in the aromatics and the fruit signature of the wine.

This wines delicate fruit aromas are definitely coming forward, even in its youth. Some cherry aromas as well as tea and herb notes follow through into the palate. The mouthfeel is full and the finish is tightened slightly by some youthful tannins which will recede with short term aging. The wine will thereby reward both the patient and those who cant wait to sample its good graces.