Phoenix Vineyards

1997 Napa Valley Pinot Noir

Winemakers Notes:

Varietal %s: 100% Varietal, 100% Vintage, 100% Napa Valley Appelation

Date of Harvest: August 19th (Wild Horse Valley) , September 15th (Mid-Valley)

Brix at Harvest: 22.0 to 25.0 Brix

Length of Ferment: 7-9 days with 6 days additional skin contact time on avg.(Assmanshausen yeast culture used on 1/2)

End Alcohol: 13.9%

Time in Oak: 10 months in a mix of 1 year (50%) and 3&4 year old French and American Oak

Bottling Date: July 15th, 1998 (No fining or filtration)100 cases produced

Our 1997 Pinot Noir is a wine of uncommon structure. Half of the fruit for this wine came from our Wild Horse Valley source. Low yields per acre (2.9 ton) and per vine (8.5 lb) provided the greater extract in this lot. These figures carry greater importance in a vintage when yields were above average. The other half of the blend came from fruit we sourced close to the winery from a vineyard northwest of the city of Napa. The depth of fruit in the midpalate comes from this selection. A blend which showcased the best elements of these two distinct vineyards was made to place them in balance. The unused portions of these lots were sold on the bulk wine market. We could have made more of this wine but the blend would not have excelled as it does. Quality is our prime goal.

The strength of the wine is at first evident by the tint and depth of the intense ruby color. This wines delicate fruit aromas come slowly in its youth; as the wine ages these should come further to the forefront. Some cherry and plum aromas as well as earthy and leathery notes follow through into the palate. This Pinot Noir is almost Syrali-like in its concentration. The mouthfeel is full and the finish is tightened slightly by some youthful tannins which will recede with short term aging. Decanting this wine 30 minutes before serving would be recommended.