1999 J Pinot Noir, Robert Thomas Vineyard

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The Vineyard
The 1999 Robert Thomas vineyard designate Pinot noir comes from an exclusive vineyard along the Russian River. This vineyard is one the last to ripen of all of our Pinot's as it is the farthest west where the coastal influence of fog and cooler temperatures gives it more time to stay on the vine and develop a rich flavor profile.

Processing
Whole grape clusters were hand-harvested, destemmed, then moved into open top fermenters. The clones of Robert Thomas, Rochioli, 113, 115, were kept separate through this process and remained separate until just before bottling. After a three day cold soak, the must began it's fermentation which was finished in about 10 days. The fermented juice (wine) along with the skins were then pressed and the clear wine moved into french oak barrels to go through malolactic fermentation.

Ageing
The wine is aged in 60-gallon French oak barrels that are selected from various areas of France. While in these barrels the second or malolactic fermentation was completed. The wine remained in barrels until a few weeks before bottling. At this time the different clones were evaluated and then blended to create the balance that can be found in the Robert Thomas bottle

Tasting Notes
The richness of this wine is evident in the aroma with dark cherry, vanilla, violets, and just the right amount of smokiness. These aromas are followed through on the tongue: first caressed with the smoothness and then by the flavors of concentrated cherry, smoky bacon, earth, and a hint of dried herbs.

The 1999 Robert Thomas would pair very well with grilled herbed duck breast, black figs wrapped with prosciutto, and hard cheeses like Manchego or dried Jack.

Harvest: Sept 16-Oct 2 1999

Harvest Analysis: Average sugar 25.3° Brix

Final Analysis: Alcohol 13.7% by volume

Bottling Date: November 30, 2000

470 cases produced