Fall Release Aidan Pinot Noir
2005

Winemaker’s Notes

Our second Aidan bottling perfectly contrasts the inaugural 2004 release in terms of vintage variability and its resulting influence on wine style. Whereas, the 2004 was wholly driven by its early ripening power and overt fruit density, the new vintage finds its voice in a subtler approach, as befits this cool vintage. In '05 the harvest commenced over two weeks behind '04 on the arid hillside at Sundawg Ridge and wrapped up almost three weeks later, a few hundred yards down the hillside on Wildrose's deeper soils. As in 2004 the dual components showed a strong tendency to partner and a natural ability to complement one another in a vineyard blend – Sundawg's upfront juiciness being lengthened by the persistent structure of Wildrose. The wine's cool black-fruited core, inner-mouth energy and natural harmony offer a purity of cool-climate Pinot flavor, that is every bit as intriguing as our other 2005 wines, with a strong emphasis on freshness and vivacity. The wine's low pH and bright acidity ensures it is a candidate for a decade of in-bottle development, yet its elegant subtlety and seamless integration confers a lush sweetness that is currently hard to resist.

Bright, full-red color. The nose combines floral raspberry and black cherry aromas with spicy cola and smoked meat notes. Sweet dark fruits dominate the palate with a racy brightness and sappy energy that is captivating. Concentrated yet brisk on the back end with a flush of fresh red berries on the supple finish. Drink young for its sheer freshness and energy or between 5 and 7 years to allow maturity to broaden the wine's inherent texture.

Andy Smith