2006 Cumbre Hicks Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 190 cases, $59. This vineyard is located in the Corralitos/Pleasant Valley subregion at 500 feet. The soil is rich for the area as it was the former home of a small horse farm - Un Corralito. Degree days are Region II. The vines are 5 to 6 years old planted to Dijon clones 115 and 667 and yielding 4 tons per acre. This wine is 90% clone 115. Brix at harvest was 26.7. · Rich and jammy strawberry and raspberry fruit is laced with toast, anise, spearmint, white pepper, briar and oak. There is a definite minerality evident. Alcohol peeks out on the nose and in the finish. The tannins are very soft and the texture is velvety. Reviewed March 15, 2009

Winery: Wines of Vine Hill
From article: Tasting Santa Cruz Pinot Noirz