Fall Release Finn Pinot Noir
2004

Winemaker’s Notes

Our fifth Finn release and a strong candidate for the most complex and most age-able Pinot Noir we have yet bottled. At this early stage I would compare it most closely to the 2001 release, a longtime favorite that is entering its peak drinking window. The 2004 blend is again drawn from our two most unique sources and in our opinion provides a singular expression of Russian River Pinot as a direct result of these two remarkable vineyards. Occidental Road continues to provide the complex aromatic and structural backbone to the wine, its dark pure black cherry fruit and wild flower notes creating the blend's ethereal quality. The gentle north-facing slope of the cooler Widdoes Vineyard again demonstrated its ability to slowly ripen fruit even during harvest heat spikes. Our favorite one acre section of the vineyard, the oldest and lowest yielding vines, provided small berries with robust skins and excellent acidity leading to the darkest, most structured and concentrated wine we have ever harvested from this block. The two lots were harvested, fermented and macerated separately and then blended to barrel to mature as a single wine for 16 months. The resulting wine is one of broad succulence yet great vibrancy and freshness and has a long life ahead of it under correct cellaring conditions.

Dark ruby red color. Profoundly complex nose of bright red berries, wild flowers and darker black cherry with an edge of dried herb and spice. The palate blends cassis, black raspberries and underbrush notes with great succulence and mid-palate definition. The back end is expansive yet lively with broad ripe tannin and a fresh violet/mineral finish. Aging potential up to ten years, serve at 60 degrees to fully enjoy the fruit purity and fine structure the wine offers.

Andy Smith Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner