2006 Vista Montone Pinot Noir

The 120-acre Vista Montone is located in the cooler region of south Napa Valley to the east of the Carneros AVA overlooking the San Francisco Bay. The vineyard features rolling hills with a variety of exposures rising from 100-300 feet above sea level. The region is renowned for its cool-climate allowing the gradual ripening of the thin-skinned Pinot Noir. Clonal selection is especially important for great Pinot Noir. For its deep red-ruby color and supple tannins, our winemakers favor clone 777, and clone 113 for its evocative floral and spice aromatics.

For Pinot Noir, we incorporate extensive seed removal into the cap management process as well as oxidative rackings during the barrel aging period. This allows the tannins to polymerize more fully creating larger, softer tannins out of smaller, more aggressive and angular ones. It also helps release the aromatic berry character inherent in the grapes.

Rustic red in hue, this wine evokes leather, tobacco and cigar box in its aromas. A creamy mouthfeel carries flavors of red fruit, spice and black pepper across the tongue and lingers enough in the finish.

Composition:100% Pinot Noir
Barrel Aging:100% French Oak
(primarily Allier), 52% new
Alcohol:14.2%
pH:3.82
T.A.:.57g/100ml
Cases:4,000 6-packs
Release Date: September, 2007