2008 Pinot Grigio

Appellation: Oakville, Napa Valley
Varietals: 100% Pinot Grigio
Ageing and Cooperage: Five months in neutral oak
Alcohol: 14.5%
Bottled: March 10th, 2009
Released: July 1st, 2009
Cases Produced: 532 cases

HARVEST:
We hand harvested 8.42 tons of Pinot Grigio on September 5th, 2008.
Sugar: 23.6 Brix
Acidity: 0.70 g/100ml
pH: 3.34 units

FERMENTATION AND AGEING:
After whole cluster pressing and cold settling, the wine was racked into small stainless steel fermenters and inoculated with Premier Cuvee yeast. Fermentation ensued and remained temperature controlled for approximately two weeks at 52 degrees until Brix reading dropped to 1.5 degrees. At this point, the fermenting wine was transferred to three and four year-old French 60 gallon oak barrels for fermentation where it remained on the lees and stirred every two weeks while it aged for five months. The wine did not go through malo-lactic conversion.

CHARACTERISTICS:
The subtle and exotic nose displays almonds, Meyer lemon peel and fresh ginger. The taste shows bright crisp acid with a vibrant profile of citrus, green apple and quince. A long steely, textured finish lingers on the palate. This wine will pair well with hors d'oeuvres, full bodied seafood dishes, or simply on its own. Always serve chilled.