Tondre 2004 Pinot Noir, Tondre Grapefield

Winemaker Tasting Notes:
The 2004 growing season was beset with wild temperature swings. As harvest began, a high pressure system set in resulting in higher than usual temps. This sparked a rapid rise in sugar and some concern about dehydration. Still, focusing on flavours, we decided to wait until the grapes were fully developed. We were rewarded with a well rounded wine loaded with bright red cherry fruit with the typical Santa Lucia Highlands appellation spice at its core. The 2004 has a medium to full body character. Although soft and supple mouth feel makes it a very drinkable wine now, it will, as always improve with age.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Santa Lucia Highlands
Varietal:	100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard:	Tondre Grapefield
Elevation:	175’ to 400’
Grower:	Joe Tondre Alarid
Winemaker:	Tony Craig
Clone:	60% Pommard 40% Dijon 115
Oak:	33% Hungarian oak. Medium Plus toast.
Aging:	16 months
Winemaking:	100% Destemmed, small batch fermentation. Punch down 3xday, drain over 3xday.
pH:	3.63
TA:	0.66
Alcohol:	13.5%
Bottling Date:	March 6, 2006