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Steele Reds
STEELE PINOT NOIR
DURELL VINEYARD
SONOMA COUNTY
Located just north of the Carneros region, 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. 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.
With Pinot Noir we take a minimal approach to wine making.
Fermentations are carried out with as little manipulation
as possible. We use a gentle crusher, one short pump-over
per day and cool soak the grapes prior to the onset of
fermentation. 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.
Look for the release of our 2004 vintage in April.
The wines made from Durell are “bigger” and
have more body due to the protected location. Rack of lamb
works well with this wine. Heavy sauces and reductions
can be used as this wine has the flavors and weight to
accompany heartier fare.
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