The Vintage: For the Anderson Valley, 2010 was a splendid vintage. While atypical weather patterns resulted in an extraordinarily cool summer for much of the North Coast, the high ridges surrounding Anderson Valley provided protection from the extended summer fog. A cool and wet May gave way to a warm, but not-too-hot June and July. Veraison (color change) first appeared in Pinot noir in mid-August signaling a late harvest. Late harvests in Anderson Valley can be tremendously rewarding – when our vines complete their final stages of ripening in October, we are treated to an incredible intensity of flavor in the glass. We were fortunate to complete our last pick of Pinot noir on October 20th, before record setting rains began to fall. Our 2010 wines are a beautiful balance of concentration and elegance, and may well prove to be our finest wines yet.

Vineyards: Alder Springs Vineyard outside of Laytonville, in northern Mendocino County

Harvest: October 20, at 20.9° Brix

Fermentation: Whole cluster pressing with two hours of skin contact
Tank fermented at 52°F
No malolactice fermentation permitted

Aging: Cold settled in tank for four months

Technical Notes: Alcohol: 12.0 %, pH: 3.55, Total Acid: 7.4 g/L

Cases Crafted: Two hundred and twenty cases bottled on March 8, 2011

Release Date: April 1, 2011

Winemaker’s Comments: A lovely shade of salmon in the glass, this delicious wine is packed with aromas of strawberry-rhubarb pie, Granny Smith apple, and watermelon rind. Luscious flavors of cranberry, grapefruit, and strawberry are carried by brisk acidity. The finish is punctuated with notes of kefir lime and pomegranate. A splendid wine to enjoy all summer long. —Ryan Hodgins, Winemaker