Harrington 2003 Pinot Noir, Birkmyer Vineyard

Vineyard Notes:
The Wild Horse Valley is located directly east of and above the town of Napa at an elevation of 1,400 feet. This higher elevation and the ability to draw cool Carneros fog makes for an ideal situation for growing Pinot Noir. Thin, well-drained, mountain soils, 25 year-old vines and unusually long hang times contribute to the development of bright, complex flavors. The 2003 crop was thinned vigorously resulting in a yield of 1.25 ton per acre, well below the average Pinot Noir yield.

Winemaker Tasting Notes:
The Birkmyer Vineyard Pinot Noir is not a typical California Pinot Noir. This is a wine built more on a Burgundian model: leaner, a little higher in acidity and focused. This wine exhibits classic cool-climate appellation qualities of balance and elegance. The aromatics are clean with hints of cherry, lilac, game and earth. The wine offers up flavors of strawberry, white raspberries, spice and granite through the midpalate and finishs with a refreshing hint of citrus. A few years in the cellar will reward the patient with further integration, grace and depth.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Wild Horse Valley
Harvest Dates:	October 5, 2003
Bottle Date:	August 2004
Brix:	24
Oak/Cooperage:	10 months in Francois Freres, Gillet, 33% new.
Yeast:	RC212, Native
Alcohol:	14%