2006 Dragonette Cellars Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 144 cases, $45. Sourced from both Fiddlestix and Gaia (Ashley’s) vineyards. Clones 113, 114, 115, 777 and Pommard. The grapes were hand-harvested in the cool early morning hours over several days in September, de-stemmed without crushing, meticulously sorted, cold soaked for 4 to 7 days, then each block was fermented separately over a 14 to 30 day period depending on the lot. Aged on the lees for 17 months in 50% new French cooperage before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Toasty oak dominated black fruit aromas with scents of Provencal herbs. Oak-spiced black cherry and black raspberry flavors which fan out on the palate nicely. Soft, fruity and pure with admirable finesse, finely ground tannins and a long, scented finish. Reviewed October 1, 2008

Winery: Dragonette Cellars
From article: Fiddlestix Vineyard