2007 PINOT NOIR
FLOODGATE VINEYARD, WEST BLOCK

2007 provided Russian River Valley winemakers with an extremely small crop of tiny clusters and berries, perfectly ripened by an especially cool and dry growing season. Though production was significantly limited by crop size, the wines express amazing flavor intensity and impeccable balance. We feel the vintage will yield some of the finest examples of Pinot Noir ever produced from this region.

The youthful, purple-tinged color of this wine hints of its adolescence; as do the incredibly deep aromas of violet, fresh blackberry and dark stone fruits. On the palate, wild berry and black cherry flavors expand and become quite exotic; with nuances of enriching oak and spice. The vineyard's contribution of structure becomes quite evident as the flavors build with vibrant, precise acidity and supportive fine-grain tannins. Though enjoyable now for its youthful, uninhibited charms, this wine promises a tremendous future for those who resist the temptation of early consumption.

Gary Farrell, winemaker