2006 Tondre Grapefield Pinot Noir

Tondre Grapefield is the result of the combined efforts of Tondre Alarid and his son Joe. This is our second year of designating Tondre Grapefield as one of our single vineyard selections.

The Vineyard
Tondre Grapefield was planted in 1997 to Dijon clones 777, 115, and 667 + Pommard 4 clone on rootstock 3309. The planting density is 1075 plants per acre, with rows on a NW-SE orientation. Yields are restricted to 3.5 tons per acre. Soils consist of decomposed granite, gravel, and sandy loam.

The Vintage
The 2006 vintage started late and ran about a month later than normal, due to a cold, wet spring that delayed the fruit set. The summer weather was typical for the region. The Pinot Noir harvest eventually finished in late October, with average crop loads showing intensely flavored fruit that retained much of its natural acidity.

Vinification and Aging
The grapes are completely de-stemmed. Fermentation, most of which is whole-berry, is in open top fermenters with manual punch down for optimum extraction and structure with soft tannins. After fermentation, the wine is transferred to a combination of medium and medium plus toast Burgundy barrels, 50% of which are new, for malo-lactic fermentation and 11 months of aging. Clone 115 is 43%, clone 777 is 43%, and clone 667 is 14% of the final blend.

Aromas, Flavors, and Palate Impressions
Medium deep in color. The nose shows raspberry, cloves, cola, black cherry and leather. On the palate, minerally terroir and apricot flavors are also noted. The wine reflects the cool 2006 vintage with its elegant, age-worthy style.