The Vintage: Drought conditions continued across Northern California in 2009. Winter rains were light and water remained scarce throughout the growing season. For the second consecutive year, a mid-May heat wave brought some of the highest temperatures we would see all summer. The summer was relatively cool and perfect for ripening. Harvest began in mid-September and finished on October 22. This year will be remembered for two dramatic harvest weather events – a late September heat wave that risked pushing sugars too high, and the biggest October storm in over forty years. We were fortunate to have our warmest blocks harvested before the heat wave and all of our delicate varieties in before the storm. In spite of the unusual weather, it was a balanced vintage that produced outstanding wines.

Vineyards: A blend of Pommard and Stang clones from Donnelly Creek Vineyard near Boonville in the Anderson Valley Appellation.

Harvest: September 22 and 23, 2009 at an average of 24.9° Brix

Fermentation: Five to Seven Day Cold Soak at 55°F
Nine Day Uninoculated Primary Fermentation at 88-94°F
Five to Seven Day Extended Maceration

Aging: Aged fifteen months in 60 gallon French oak barrels – 54% new
Coopers include Claude Gillet, Cadus, Francois Freres and Damy

Technical Notes: Alcohol: 14.3 %, pH: 3.57, Total Acid: 5.7 g/L

Cases Crafted: Three hundred and seventy cases (fifteen barrels) bottled without fining on April 6, 2011

Release Date: October 1, 2011

Winemaker’s Comments: Donnelly Creek is typically our most structured Pinot Noir and the 2009 is no exception. The nose is intense with aromas of black cherry, cola, and plum. Flavors of cherry, toast, cinnamon, and clove linger in the mouth and the dense tannins provide a weighty mouthfeel that suggest this exceptional wine will age gracefully for a decade or more. —Ryan Hodgins, Winemaker

Accolades: 2009 Breggo Pinot Noir Donnelly Creek Vineyard
“Aromas of blueberry and blackberry are ripe and rich, touching on jam. Full-bodied, deep and complex, with spice, dried herb, sage, underbrush and loamy earth character, ending with a tight, complex mix of savory flavors.” – 93 points, Wine Spectator

“Deep ruby-red. Powerful aromas of dark berries, cherry-cola and mulberry, with a sexy floral overtone. Fleshy red and dark berry preserve flavors are framed by silky tannins and given focus and lift by a zesty mineral quality. The finish repeats the deep red fruit and mineral notes and hangs on with excellent tenacity. A distinctly rich, weighty style of pinot but it sure doesn’t lack for vitality.” – 92 points, International Wine Cellar