2005 Pinot Noir "P05" (Fairview Road Ranch, Santa Lucia Highlands)
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Tasting Notes
This year the wine continues to impress with aromas of sweet cherry, cranberry, and vanilla. The wine is amplified by a full mouth feel. The finish lingers gracefully showcasing its age-worthy structure.
Drinking well now and has the longevity to last 5+ years.
Production Notes
2005 was an excellent growing season for Pinot Noir with slow and steady ripening. In comparision, 2003 and 2004 both had heat spikes that increased sugar but not necessarily flavor development. September 2005 was one of the coolest on record. It was no surprise that we picked on the latest day yet. (photos)
The grapes were picked at sunrise, sorted in the vineyard, and again at the crusher. The fruit was destemmed but not crushed, chilled with dry ice, and cold soaked for 1-3 days in two T-bins and 3 waffle bins. Two different yeast strains, Grenache and RC212, were added to fermentation vessels, intended to capture spiciness and primary fruit flavors. Fermentation ranged from 3-6 days. The wine was pressed straight into French oak (photos) and aged for 11 months in a mixture of coopers – Francois Freres, Remond, and Taransaud. 50% of the barrels were new.
This wine is unfiltered and unfined; sediment is expected and natural.
Production: 125 cases
Buy online: $38 (includes free shipping)
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The Vineyard
Nestled in between two of the finest vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, Garys' and Rosella's, Fairview Road Ranch is destined for greatness.
Every year the wines seem to be getting better and better. Without hesitation, we continue to increase our production.
Throughout the year, we work closely with Kirk Williams, the grape grower, on crop loads, watering schedules, and various viticulture practices.
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Other 2005 Wines