2006 was a great vintage with a long growing season. The Pinot Noir used in this blend benefited most from this longer, cool season accentuating the berry flavors. From the website, "A few small lots of Pinot Noir are fermented in contact with their skins to add depth and subtle color to this unique sparkling wine. Chardonnay gives spice, structure and length on the palate. Hand picking, careful handling and gentle pressing produce a wine of delicacy, free of skin and seed tannin. Following the fall harvest and base winemaking period, an extensive process of blending trial and refinement is carried out in the spring. The finished blend is aged on the yeast in the bottle for about two years, just enough to achieve refined effervescence and toastiness without diminishing its refreshing, vibrant appeal."
Varietal Composition: 68% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay
Appellation: North Coast
Harvest Dates: August 28 - October 17, 2006
Alcohol: 12.6%
Cases Produced: 7,400
Tasting Notes:
This flavorful, complex, and dry medium bodied sparkling has hints of grapefruit, strawberries, wild berries, warm berry cobbler, and panna cotta. Since this wine is so versatile you can try it with sushi, rock shrimp, salmon, pizza, roast chicken, BBQ ribs, burgers, chocolate raspbery tarts, creamy cheeses, and summer fruits. It's perfect at a restaurant or just for a simple dinner at home.
"The unusually late harvest of 2006 produced bright, fruitful Pinot Noir. Aromas are generous and bursting with strawberries and ripe watermelon accentuated by subtle nuances of freshly baked rhubarb pie. The palate is knit seamlessly together. A crisp entry leads way to bountiful flavors of juicy strawberry, fresh peach and blood orange. The 2006 Brut Rose finishes with a long tangy and balanced acidity."
-Winemakers Keith Hock and Hugh Davies
