Steele Pinot Noir Durell Vineyard 2008

Vineyard

Located in the northwest corner of the Carneros region adjacent to the Petaluma Gap, Durell Vineyard is in a warmer location surrounded by the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. This protection makes the vineyard less windy, which also helps ripening. The wines made from Durell tend to be bigger and have more body due to the protected location. We harvest the Durell 10-14 days prior to harvesting the grapes from Sangiacomo, even though they are only two miles apart. Many of the most prestigious wineries in California purchase grapes from this vineyard.

Winemaking

With Pinot Noir we take a minimal approach to wine making. Fermentations are carried out with as little manipulation as possible. With such a small lot we ferment in ¾ ton bins and do a laborious punch downs twice a day. Our aging program is always in French Oak barrels which are heavily toasted during the bending of the staves. This toasting gives a smoky aromatic backdrop to the wonderful cherry fruit aromas and flavors. We usually bottle the wine in December of the following year, so at a minimum the wine spends 12 months in French Oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

Dried cherry and toffee nose. A touch of herbs and earth join in on entry and stay through the finish. Elegant.

Food pairing

Mushroom and chicken casserole with fresh herbs will highlight and balance with the characters of this Pinot Noir.     

Awards

88 pts. Affairs of the Vine, Pinot Shootout, 2008 vintage.