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.

Vineyard: A blend of Martini 15, Dijon 115 and 667, Pommard, and Calera clones from Savoy Vineyards near Philo in the Anderson Valley Appellation

Harvest: September 22 and 23, 2009 at an average of 25.1° 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 – 63% new
Coopers include Claude Gillet, Cadus, Francois Freres and Damy

Technical Notes: Alcohol: 14.5 %, pH: 3.74, Total Acid: 5.4 g/L

Cases Crafted: Three hundred and ninety five cases (sixteen barrels) bottled without fining on April 6, 2011

Release Date: October 1, 2011

Winemaker’s Comments: Our 2009 Savoy Pinot Noir is a wine of striking intensity and definition. Aromatics of black cherry, blueberry, and pipe tobacco fill the nose while hints of Christmas spices and cedar add depth and complexity. The mouth is packed with rich flavors of cherry, pomegranate, and cola. Subtle notes of sweet spices, fennel, clove, and coconut linger on a finish built by silky tannins. This profound wine will continue to develop with age for a decade or more. —Ryan Hodgins, Winemaker