Item is a magnum of Benovia Winery 2015 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Harvest Notes

A warm February and March lead to early bud break in 2015. The warm winter transitioned to May temperatures that were actually colder than temps in January and February. These cold temperatures at bloom delayed flowering and fruit set was compromised. The poor set resulted in yieldsbeing reduced by as much as 50% in some of our vineyards. The summer weather can be characterized by cool nights and foggy morning and resulted in veraison that was 1 to 2 weeks ahead of 2014. The harvest was our earliest on record for Benovia and ended quickly due to the low yields.

Winegrower Notes

Through intensively farming each vineyard site, our intent is to maximize the character and individuality of place and we do so utilizing the most progressive viticultural techniques. Harvested at night, the fruit was rigorously hand sorted prior to destemming and then berry selected before open top fermentation. This blend is a collection of heirloom clones of Pinot Noir like Calera, Swan, Pommard, Mt. Eden, and Chalone as well as newer French selections like Dijon 777 & 943.

Tasting Notes

The incredibly low yields in 2015 provided the raw materials to produce a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir with intense acidity and tremendous texture. Aromas are dominated by red fruit tones of Bing cherry and red raspberry, while black fruits dominate on the palette. The vibrant aromas expand and give way to wild strawberry, toasted brioche and allspice. On the palate the wine has bright acidity and firm but fine tannins that should allow for midterm cellaring. As always the wine was bottled without fining or filtration.

Vineyard Sources

Martaella, Cohn, Tilton, and Zio Tony Vineyards

Harvest Data

August 16th-September 18th| Alcohol 14.1% | pH 3.59 | TA 0.62

Fermentation

Cold soaked for 8 days, indigenous yeast fermentation lasted for more than two weeks

Cooperage

37% new French Oak

Cases Produced

1288 cases

Release Date

Spring 2017