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2007 Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
Vineyards
The rugged topography of the Santa Cruz Mountains limits the size of individual vineyards. The costs associated with planting small mountain vineyards limits the overall acreage devoted to grapes in this cool coastal appellation. In 1996, to ensure a continuing supply of high-quality fruit, Clos LaChance’s owners Bill and Brenda Murphy established CK Vines (www.ckvines.com), a vineyard maintenance and installation company specializing in “back-yard” vineyard development throughout the Santa Cruz Mountain appellation.
Winemaking
The grapes were hand-harvested, hand-sorted, de-stemmed and transferred exclusively to open-topped tanks. The grapes were then cold soaked 3-5 days on average. Punch-downs were initiated twice daily at the beginning and end of fermentation. The frequency of punch-downs was increased to four times daily at the peak of fermentation. Post primary fermentation, the wine was drained to barrel for malolactic fermentation and ageing. The wine was aged sur-lie for 14 months in 40% new French oak and 60% used French oak barrels. This wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes
Bright garnet color with aromas of fresh strawberries, cinnamon, spice and a touch of vanilla. An earthy tone, with a hint of mushroom. The flavors of strawberries carry through, with crème frâiche and notes of coffee and cola. Bright acid and with soft, yet firm tannins. This is a wine that will lay down and age beautifully for 10 years minimum. An intense minerality that is so classic Santa Cruz Mountains rounds out this very balanced, cool climate Pinot Noir. Will pair nicely with lamb, salmon with balsamic sauce and deep fried turkey.
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