Hawley 2004 Pinot Noir Product Description

HAWLEY
2004 Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley

Vineyard Sources

The grapes for this 2004 Hawley Pinot Noir came from two special vineyards in the Russian River Valley appellation. Seventy percent of this Pinot Noir came from Oehlman Vineyard. Located on Vine Hill, this steep south east facing slope is planted with the Martini and Pomard clones. Mullenhoff Vineyard, located in the Santa Rosa Plain, is planted to Dijon clone 115 and makes up thirty percent of this blend. In 2004 the Pinot Noir crop for both vineyards was less than two tons per acre, resulting in extremely concentrated flavors in the fruit. Both vineyards were harvested on September 16th at approximately 24.5 degrees Brix.

Winemaking

The two vineyard lots were vinified separately. The ripe, deeply colored grapes were gently destemmed into small one-ton fermenters, where they were chilled and allowed to "cold soak". After one week the grapes warmed up and wild yeasts began the fermentation. The skins were punched down by hand three to eight times daily. The fermentation temperature was allowed to reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit during fermentation. The wine was pressed from the skins at dryness, using a 100-year-old manual basket press, into French Burgundy barrels (50% new), where it matured for 15 months. The gentle, traditional, Burgundian techniques and attention to details are reflected in the finished wine. After a light egg-white fining, the wine was carefully racked off the lees. No filtration was employed at any time.
This Pinot Noir was bottled on February 6, 2006. Only 373 cases were produced.

Tasting Notes

This exceptionally fine Pinot Noir is unusually deep in color. It has complex aromas of coffee and vanilla to complement the deep cherry and raspberry flavors from the grapes. In the mouth the wine is rich and opulent, with generous, ripe, fruit flavors, and a long, silky-smooth finish. This wine will continue to improve for many years to come.

Serving Suggestions

Pinot Noir is one of the most versatile of wines. Try it with seafood, rich stews, pasta, vegetarian cuisine, cheese dishes, fowl, or any red meat. For a special treat, pair it with roast duck.

Analysis