Pinot Noir | Signature Selection v.2018 SONOMA COUNTY, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Russian River Valley Sources:
Pinot Noir grown in the cool climate of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County is regularly influenced by the coastal influence and this natural nighttime air-conditioning allows the grapes to develop full flavor maturity over an extended growing season while retaining the all-important acidity.
The 2018 vintage brought plenty of rain to the vineyards. Perfect growing conditions followed during summer with even heat and a great ripening environment providing extended ripening. The grapes were harvested mid-September and the vintage brought medium tannins as well as higher levels of aromatics and flavors.
Winemaking:
Destemmed and crushed grapes go to temperature-controlled fermenters for 5 days of cold soaking at ~50F (pre-fermentation) with a daily pump over for extraction of color, aromatics, and tannins. Once fermentation begins we keep the tanks at ~75F to better extract the aromatics of the Pinot Noir fruit, and we have a regime of three pump-overs a day to achieve the right extraction, until dry. Once pressed and sent to storage tanks the young wine is later moved to barrels for aging. The round and polished texture of this wine comes not only from the high-quality fruit but also judicious use of oak—the wine was aged for 9 months in small French oak barrels with 25% new oak.
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of rose petals, pomegranate, and a touch of nutmeg greet the nose. A light and velvety body embrace the hints of strawberry and black plum fruit with toasted oak notes. On the finish, lingering fruit and spice are balanced with bright acidity and mild tannins. An elegant and tasteful Pinot Noir.
APPELLATION: Russian River Valley
BARREL AGING: 9 months in French Oak barrels
ALCOHOL: 13.5%
pH: 3.66
TOTAL ACIDITY: .615g/100ml
Pedroncelli Winery has come a long way since 1927, when John Pedroncelli, Sr. purchased vineyards and a small winery in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley. Today, the vineyards are planted to premium grape varieties, the winery is filled with modern equipment, and wines bearing the Pedroncelli name grace tables from coast to coast. But two elements from 70 years ago remain unchanged: the exceptional place the Pedroncelli family grows grapes, and the family's dedication to making fine wines.
