Jeriko Estate Pinot Noir 2009
Our Pinot Noir reflects the traditional Burgundian style of silky elegance balanced by depth & complexity. Intense raspberry, light cherry & black pepper spices are complemented by a toasted oak & vanilla bouquet. Moderate pallet weight with concentrated mouth coating flavors of raspberry & black cherry spice surrounded by a creamy vanillin structure. Soft tannins linger with intense raspberry spices & toasty oak components.
Wine Specs
| Vintage | 2009 |
| Appellation | Mendocino |
| Harvest Date | Harvest Date: September 12, 2006 |
| Sugar | 24.4% Brix at harvest |
| Acid | 0.58 |
| Aging | 12 months |
| Fermentation | Fermented in small open-topped containers |
| Bottling Date | 2008-05-21 |
| Alcohol % | 14.7 |
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Aromas: Intense raspberry, light cherry & black pepper spices are complemented by a toasted oak & vanilla bouquet.Palate: Moderate pallet weight with concentrated mouth coating flavors of raspberry & black cherry spice surrounded by a creamy vanillin structure.Finish: Soft tannins linger with intense raspberry spices & toasty oak components.Serve with rich poultry game, or grilled and smoked meats with fruit glazes and chutneys.Pair with Cheesecake Momma's Raspberry Swirl with Raspberry Puree or Wild Strawberry Cheesecake.
Vineyard Notes
Location: The Jeriko Estate Vineyard is located in the Sanel Valley of the upper canyon of the Russian River basin in lower Mendocino County. The Pinot Noir is grown in a flat section of the vineyard surrounding the winery and Estate House, as well as in the central area of the vineyards.Soils: The block has deep, alluvial soils of gravelly-loam soil, with the emphasis on gravel as the section is closer to the River, which results in good drainage. Water: The land is 486 feet above sea level. The vineyard typically receives 30 inches of rain annually, experiencing no rainfall between May and October and necessitating the use of a drip irrigation system for approximately 8 hours per week during the summer months. Overhead sprinklers are used for heat control once the temperatures rise above 90 degrees. During the summer the fruit is cooled and air is moved air through the vineyard by typical afternoon breezes. Canopy Management: Jeriko uses 6x6 high density spacing, 1210 plants per acre. The narrow trellises provide shade for the rows of vines behind, providing a natural filter of sunlight to minimize loss of fruit flavors because of intense heat, and to reduce sunburn of the grapes. A combination of high trellis system and hand pruning encourages movement of air to inhibit the growth of moulds and mildews.Cover Crops: Once the fruit is harvested and the vines go dormant for the winter, cover crops consisting of an organic mix of legumes, bell beans, peas, wild oats and vetch are applied very second year. Organic Certification: This vineyard is farmed organically and is certified 100% organically grown by CCOF, IFOAM and USDA.
Production Notes
The fruit was handpicked for whole grape clusters. The Pinot Noir fruit also tends to be more delicate, with thin skin so requires more careful handling in the vineyard.
Winemaker Notes
This varietally correct Pinot Noir reflects the traditional Burgundian style of silky elegance balanced by depth & complexity. The Dijon Clone 115 was selected for its strong acid structure and the 667 has less acid so balances the 115. The Pommard clone is a bigger grape and very well suited to sparkling wines. Each lot is treated separately, and once harvested; the fruit is destemmed, and lightly crushed by the Bucher press. The juice and skins are then cold-soaked for few days prior to fermenting on the skins using GMO-free yeast in small open topped fermenters. The traditional manual punch-down pigeage method is used several times a day during fermentation to intensify the aroma, color & tannin of the wine. After fermentation, the juice is racked off and the skins are put into macro-bins and transferred to the Bucher membrane press to be gently pressed. The wine is racked and then each lot is matured separately in oak, and then blended and filtered prior to bottling. 3600 cases produced.
Other Notes
Average rainfall of 30 inches. No unusual occurrences with the weather patterns. Average budbreak, ripening and harvesting times. Higher than average yields.
L.C.
(Dec 24, 2010 at 3:53 AM)
I enjoyed this wine so much that it induced me to join the wine club.