1999 RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY PINOT NOIR

Bacigalupi:
	Harvest Date:		9/13/99
	Brix:		22.8 degrees
	pH:		3.36
	TA:		0.59 g/100mL

Dutton:
	Harvest Date:		10/1/99
	Brix:		26.3 degrees
	pH:		3.61
	TA:		0.60 g/100mL

Poplar/Ritchie:
	Harvest Date:		10/1/99
	Brix:		26.6 degrees
	pH:		3.35
	TA:		0.59 g/100mL

Tasting Notes: This wine is a blend of these 3 vineyards and the E Block vineyard (after the E Block Single Vineyard wine is blended from barrel the remaining barrels are available for the RRV blend). Each vineyard brings its own special statement of site to this wine. The Bacigalupi is deep and dark, and most of the earthy mushroom aromas and flavors are derived from this 40-year-old planting. Poplar/Ritchie is always the Cost Plus spice rack with black pepper, clove, cardamom, coffee, and allspice. The Dutton- Jewell Ranch is a cross between fresh raspberry jam and licorice. E Block has flavors and aromas of mixed berry cobbler and the scent of an Egyptian coffee house including chicory/clove/tobacco.

	Alcohol:		14.2% by volume
	TA:		0.52 g/100mL
	pH:		3.72
	Production:		760 cases of 12

Aging Notes: This wine is tough to call. I think this is an exquisite wine but has had a very difficult time ‘setting down’. There is lots going on here. The fruit is a lovely mix of berries and spices with this heavy underpining of deep forest floor. When that part of the wine dominates the aromas include an organic component that can be very aggressive. However, when that aroma holds its place as an undertone, it adds great complexity and depth. Time in the cellar is the answer to this wine. I would start pulling corks around 5 years from vintage. I promise that this wine will be a treasure and a reward!

(tasted on Labor Day, 9/2/02)

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