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Gainey Vineyard
2006 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills |
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STA. RITA HILLS
The Gainey family was among the first to recognize the Sta. Rita Hills as uniquely suited to classic, cool-climate varietals. For 20 years they had sourced their fruit from all parts of Santa Barbara County, but this area always stood out: Sta. Rita Hills produced the best fruit every year. In the early 1990s the Gaineys began searching for suitable vineyard land in the region. Evan’s Ranch, named for Dan Gainey’s great-grandfather, is the result, planted with 11 different Chardonnay clones, 10 clones of Pinot Noir, and 4 clones of Syrah, all high-density vineyards. Dan Gainey worked with other growers and was instrumental in obtaining federal approval of the new Sta. Rita Hills AVA in 2001. |
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Composition:
Santa Rita Hills (70% Evan’s Ranch, 12% Votovich, 7% Rancho Santa Rosa)
Santa Maria Valley (Bien Nacido Vineyard) |
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| Harvest Dates: September 10–15 |
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Fermentation: Small open-top tanks with daily punch-downs
Barrel Aging: 16 months in French oak (27% new)
Filtration: Unfiltered
Bottled: March 2008 |
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Our 2006 "White Label" Pinot Noir is a worthy successor to the much-praised 2005, which garnered a bevy of sobriquets from leading wine critics. Like 2005, 2006 was a cool growing season in the Santa Rita Hills, with an extended harvest period that allowed our Pinot Noir grapes to attain an ideal balance of sugar and acidity. Perhaps even more focused and concentrated than its predecessor, the 2006 is classically styled, with fresh, pure fruit, bright acidity and succulent, perfectly balanced flavors of red raspberries and Bing cherries accented by alluring Asian spice tones. Beautifully structured, with firm, supple tannins, its delicious red fruit and savory spice flavors are expertly framed by subtle French oak tones. Enjoy this delectable Pinot Noir now and over the next 2-3 years with roasted game birds, lamb dishes and lightly sauced pastas.
Kirby Anderson, Winemaker |
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Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Production: 1,170 cases
(12/750ml)
Alcohol: 13.9%
TA: 0.65g/100ml
pH: 3.58
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