Harvest Date
October 17, 2009
Harvest Brix
26.3
Months in Oak
Eleven
Alcohol
14.8%
pH
3.72
TA
5.2 grams/liter
Rs
Dry
Production
210 cases
Appellation: San Benito County
Located at the base of the Eastern foothills of San Benito County, Idyll Times Vineyard is sheltered from the winds of "the Mistral" climate; characterized by warm, breezy days and cool nights. The soil is sparse and shallow, restricting root development and canopy growth. The vineyard is comprised of the following three clones of Pinot Noir: La Tache, Dijon 115, and Joseph Swan.
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, each clone is fermented separately in small tanks with a minimum of the berries being crushed. After "cold soaking" for upwards of three days on the grape skins, a special yeast known for its bold extraction qualities was added for fermentation. After fermentation was completed the wine was pressed directly into 50% new French oak barrels and matured for eleven months.
This sturdy, full-bodied Pinot Noir with its creamy, vanilla structure and strawberry bomb finish could only be grown in San Benito County. A bookish, leathery aroma leads directly into a blend of bold, ripe fruit complemented by vanilla, cinnamon, and baking spices. Soft tannins and a long, lingering finish make this a very smooth and mature Pinot Noir. Pair with grilled meats, hearty bistro, and seafood.
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92 Points |
Stephen Pessagno, Winemaker
Price: $40
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