Harvest Date
October 17, 2009
Harvest Brix
26.3
Months in Oak
Eleven
Alcohol
14.9%
pH
3.72
TA
5.2 grams/liter
Rs
Dry
Production
211 cases
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands
The Four Boys Vineyard is the name we gave to the four small Pinot Noir vineyards we have at the winery that, coincidentally, matches the number of sons I have. Our vineyards are aptly named Anthony, Stephen, Robert, and John. Planted to the famous "La Tache" clone of Pinot Noir, with origins from Burgundy, as well as several Dijon clones, these vineyards rival the best within the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. In total, all four vineyards amount to about 3.5 acres of which my cousin Dave and I do most all of the farming. It is our flagship Pinot Noir.
2009 comes to a close with our assessment that yet a fifth consecutive great Vintage has been brought to "the Barn" (our 80+ year old former Swiss Italian dairy, now winery). January and early February saw unprecedented warm temperatures that caused an early budbreak. During flowering in the middle of May the thermometer again reached the upper 90 °F mark. The balance of the growing season up through harvest was, in contrast, very moderate to even slightly cool. We were now preparing for a late season with grapes not expected until late Fall. In anticipation of heavy rains from the remnants of Typhoon Melor (the worst to hit Japan in two decades), we scrambled to bring in all the fruit during the middle of October. The long hours paid off and incredible quality wines are now finishing fermentation and resting gracefully in the winery.
Handpicked at a high level of maturity and only as each block matured, the fruit is co-fermented in a small tank with a minimum of the berries being crushed. After "cold soaking" for upwards of 6 days to slowly release flavor and aroma components from the grape skins, a special yeast known for its bold extraction qualities was added to initiate fermentation. After fermentation was completed the wine was pressed directly into 75% new French oak barrels and matured for eleven months.
One look at the depth of color in this wine suggests that it is very jammy with concentrated aromas of ripe black cherry, and spice. The full, lush mouth feel follows layered flavors of candied plum and vanilla, reflecting the depth of the fruit and lavish use of oak. Beautifully balanced, it offers good body, rich texture, and a long, lingering finish. Grilled meats or hearty bistro makes for a perfect match.
 |
94 Points |
Steve Pessagno, Winemaker
Price: $55
Receive 10% Off Your Total with a 12 bottle (case) Purchase
Receive 15% Off Your Purchase
Receive 20% Off Your Total with a 12 bottle (case) Purchase