Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir
For years we have valued the consistent quality of Rosella’s Vineyard Pinot Noir. Located three miles south of our own Double L estate, Rosella’s is one of the top Pinot Noir vineyards in California. Planted in ‘96 to several Dijon clones as well as the famed “Pisoni” clone, Rosella’s benefits from the eastern exposure of its Santa Lucia Highlands’ benchland location. Fog and cooling breezes from Monterey Bay combined with well-drained alluvial soils make-up Rosella’s famed terroir.
Although 2007 was typically cool and windy, this vintage shows intensity due to high stress on the vines from a dry winter preceding a cold, wet spring. The outcome of this weather pattern was a 40% decrease in production. An uneventful summer and fall resulted in a clean harvest o f high quality fruit.
The grapes were completely de-stemmed after hand sorting. Native yeasts began the whole-berry fermentation in open top tanks. Manual punch-downs maintained supple texture and soft tannins. The wine was transferred to a combination of medium and medium-plus toast Burgundy barrels, 50% new, for malo-lactic fermentation and 11 months of aging. The final cuvee is a 50-50 blend of Dijon clone 115 and the Pisoni clone.
Deep and concentrated, our ‘07 Rosella’s Pinot Noir, showcases cherry, cranberry, white chocolate, leather and spice flavors, with a touch of vanilla and toast. Well integrated, layered tannins suggest this wine will age very well. Will prove a perfect match for rib roast or lamb chops, or just about anything off the grill...
