Tasting Notes
"In 2005, we looked for the ripe, earthy flavors characteristic of the vintage. This bottling gives us rich aromas of espresso, with dark chocolate and sassafras in the background. Juicy black cherry flavors integrate with earthy plush tannins, giving length and concentration." - Melissa Stackhouse, La Crema Winemaker

Expression of the Vintage: 2005
In a word, the 2005 harvest can be described as “even.” Perhaps not very dramatic, but a winemaker’s nirvana. “Even” means everything happened right on time – and the weather stayed uncannily moderate, allowing the fruit to ripen slowly and steadily. Overall, the season offered particularly ripe flavors of red currant and black cherry. Layers of coffee bean, dark chocolate and cherry cola overlay an abundance of earth and black tea tones.

Technical Information
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Barrels: 100% French medium-plus toast, some heavy toast, 21% new oak Time in Barrel: 13 months
Cellaring: Up to 7 years from vintage date
Alcohol: 14.5%
T.A.: 0.56g / 100ml
pH: 3.64
R.S.: 0.08%
Brix: 25° - 26° at harvest
Bottled: December, 2006
Cases: 200

Download the PDF wine information sheet.