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
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
