30% of the fruit for the Mendocino County Pinot Noir came from Iron Oak Vineyard in Potter Valley, an inland valley that characteristically produces Pinot Noir with mid-palate texture, soft tannins and red fruit flavors. The remaining 70% was sourced from various Anderson Valley vineyards. Handley Estate, Helluva, Pratt, and Day Ranch are all situated in different areas of Anderson Valley. Those located near Philo are just further enough west and north that they can be as much as 10-15 degrees cooler than vineyards closer to Boonville and the one in Potter Valley. For this reason, there is more than a month’s difference in optimum time of ripening between the “Deep End” and the other locations. Throughout the 2007 growing season, the weather was near perfect, creating a vintage that allowed Handley to bring in fruit with excellent texture and flavor from all locations.
Destemming and gently crushing the fruit left about 40% whole berries in the fermenter. After crushing, the must was cold-soaked for three days before adding yeast to start fermentation. Handley used six different yeasts to promote complexity in this blend. When fermentation was complete, the must was pressed. After three days’ settling, the wine was racked to French oak barrels (35% new) to finish malolactic fermentation. The wine aged in oak for nine months before bottling.
The Mendocino Pinot Noir is a fruit-forward wine that is multi-layered. It shows aromas of blackberry and dark plum in addition to nuances of dried cherry, blueberry, cinnamon & vanilla. Cherry flavors continue with hints of raspberry and a suggestion of toast.
A smooth texture carries the flavor into a long finish. This wine is versatile for food pairing. It has a special affinity for caramelized flavors: crisp herb-roasted potatoes & root vegetables; roast leg of lamb with rosemary& garlic; grilled teriyaki beef or chicken; and Bolognese style lasagna.
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyards: 30% Iron Oak, 20% Handley Estate, 17% Helluva, 10% Pratt, 8% Day Ranch, 15% Other
Appellation: Mendocino County
Harvest Dates: Aug. 30 - Oct. 8
Brix at Harvest: 23.8º Brix
Fermentation & Aging: Stainless steel open top tanks9 months in French Oak (35%New)
Bottling Date: August 12, 2008
Titratable Acid: 0.55 g/100 ml
pH: 3.55
Alcohol: 14.2%
Residual Sugar: 0.04% (Dry)
Cases Produced: 1496
All Wines
Violet black in color with aromas of rich fruity dark berries, honeycomb, vanilla, and hints of forest floor join together with bold flavors of black cherry, and spiced nut. Balanced oak, layered palette, leaving you with a enjoyable persistent finish.
Big & Jammy!
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
Rich & Tropical...
Notes of tropical and ripe stone fruits, with aromas of fig, golden apple and hints of butterscotch, integrated with the richer aromas of light caramel, truffle and toasted vanilla from the oak aging. The palate and texture is rich, full-bodied and creamy, while maintaining a balanced vibrancy and finish.
