2004 Andreen-Gale Cuvée Pinot Noir
download PDFTasting Notes
Deep, ruby color. Fruit aromas of Queen Anne cherry, blackberry and red plum are followed by hints of leather, sarsaparilla root and vanillin tones from barrel aging. This Andreen-Gale expresses the richness and balance of coastal fruit from our estate vineyards. Long supple tannins on the palate are spreading and delicious. Enjoy over the next 3 years.
Vineyards
Fruit sourced from 5 estate vineyards in the coolest regions of the Sonoma Coast appellation, including Camp Meeting Ridge, Frances Thompson and Sea View Ridge Vineyards. As we continue to tighten the focus of terroir, this fourth release of Andreen-Gale expresses our vision of the Sonoma Coast more than ever. 85% of the fruit from this vintage was sourced from our estate vineyards.
Harvest
Early to mid September 2004
Winemaking
All fruit rigorously hand sorted and fully destemmed with no crushing. Pre-fermentation "cold soak" 4-5 days depending on lot. Full native yeast primary fermentation. Punchdown frequency depending on tannin structure of the given clone and the dynamics of fermentation. Total skin contact ranged from 16-22 days depending on extraction and balance. All ferments gently basket pressed and put to barrel on full fermentation lees for ML. Minimal racking with only one assemblage (retaining "light lees") in early Spring allowing the blend to "marry" in barrel prior to bottling.
Cooperage and Aging
40% new barrels; 100% French Oak
Total time in barrel: 15 months
Bottling
February 2006; 3230 cases produced.
Final bottling technical information
- pH: 3.56
- TA: 0.570 g/100 ml
- Alcohol: 14.1%
Release Date
Fall 2006