2006 J Pinot Noir, Robert Thomas Vineyard
The vineyards
The 2006 Robert Thomas vineyard designate Pinot noir comes from an exclusive vineyard along the Russian River. This vineyard is one the last to ripen of all of our Pinot’s as it is the farthest west where the coastal influence of fog and cooler temperatures gives it more time to stay on the vine and develop a rich flavor profile.
Processing
Whole grape clusters were hand-harvested, destemmed, then moved into open top fermenters. The clones of Robert Thomas were kept separate through this process and will remain separate until blending. After a ten day cold soak, the must began its fermentation which was finished in another ten days. The fermented juice along with the skins was then pressed and the clear wine moved into French oak barrels to go through malolactic fermentation.