The York Mountain appellation is located near Templeton, between Cambria and Paso Robles. Although Paso is well known for warm weather, Zinfandel and Syrah, the Templeton Gap, an East – West valley where Kruse Vineyard is situated, is cooled by the maritime influence of the pacific. The finest of California’s pinot noir vineyards are all located in the cooler parts of the state, and York Mountain is one of the coolest. These cooler regions give us the raw material to make wines of great depth and fruitiness. The 2005 vintage was one of exceptional quality; a long cool growing season contributed to full flavour development on the vine, creating a wine with a splendid array of red and ripe black cherries, with a subtle infusion of toasty oak and cinnamon spice. Tony Craig – Winemaker 4/25/07