Raye's Hill 2003 Pinot Noir, Estate

Vineyard Notes:
These Raye's Hill vines have been nurtured for seven years and have matured from two leafed twigs in 4” pots to fully developed vines. These are the babies of Raye's Hill. The 2 1/2 acre vineyard is perched 200 feet above the Anderson Valley floor on gentle south facing slopes. The vines rely on the early morning fog drip and underground springs that abound on our hill for almost all their water. The combinations of very limited watering and early thinning during the growing season produce very low yields (3/4 tons per acre). The small berries are the result of early water deprivation, which creates an intensely flavored ripe fruit. This ripe fruit is cold soaked for three days then yeast is added and the grapes are fermented in open top bins. Next they are gently pressed and aged in French Oak barrels for 16 months.

Winemaker Tasting Notes:
The Raye's Hill vineyard has produced a wine that has a deep ruby color with a complex rich fruity aroma. A full mouth feel and a long clean finish compliment the flavors of dark berry, toasty oak, and pepper.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Anderson Valley
Alcohol:	14.9%
pH:	3.52
Total Acidity:	0.601
Production:	227 cases