2004 J Pinot Gris, Sonoma County

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The Vineyards
The Sonoma County Pinot Gris fruit comes from five vineyards ranging from Carneros through Cotati, The Russian River Valley and Dry Creek appellations.

Processing
Whole grape clusters were hand-harvested, then pressed gently in J's Coquard press. This uniquely gentle press minimizes the extraction of harsh components from the skins of the grapes.

Ageing
Twenty-five percent of the juice was fermented and aged in 60-gallon French oak barrels. Partial malolactic fermentation was carried-out on about 25% of the juice,(the juice in barrel). The remaining juice fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks in order to preserve the fruit character of the wine.

Tasting Notes
Tropical fruits and orange blossoms burst forth in the aroma of this wine, begging to be set free from the glass. Hints of butterscotch soften the forward fruit giving it a sense of creaminess. On tasting, the tropics are released bringing mango and papaya, then a medley of citrus fruits that bring the wine to life. The finish offers light notes of vanilla with the crispness of citrus that dances on the palate. This wine is slightly broader and less acidic than it's Russian River Valley sibling. Vive La Difference!

Harvest: August 9 – September 2, 2004

Final Analysis: Alcohol 14.0% by volume

Residual Sugar: 0.47%

Bottling Date: December 6, 2005

480 cases produced