2005 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir Magnum

Price: $95.00

Winemaking Notes

Fruit is harvested by soil type—across several different blocks— rather than by discreet clonal selections. The grapes are destemmed but not crushed and occasionally whole clusters are included based upon the gut instinct of the winemaking team. Very little sulfur is added in the fermentor and no yeast nutrients are used. The must is chilled to 55 degrees Fahrenheit and allowed warm slowly and commence fermentation on its own yeast. Peak fermentation temperatures are in the high 80’s and low 90’s and the wine stays on its skins for an average of 18 days. The new wine finishes primary fermentation and undergoes secondary fermentation in barrel without the addition of commercial malo-lactic starters. The 2005 Dierberg was aged in 90%new French oak for 16 months prior to bottling unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes

In keeping with the traditional Dierberg style, the 2005 Pinot Noir is an immense wine, yet one that retains great balance, nerve and elegance. Dark raspberry and wild blackberry notes are accented by the characteristic "sauvage" note of our special terroir. Flavors lean towards the fresh raspberry end of the spectrum, with sexy mocha and complex forest floor nuances. As always, our Dierberg Pinot Noir features surprising grip and structure for such a ripe wine. Enjoy it now for its wild fruit and explosiveness or cellar for several years to bring out the subtle complexities lurking just below its surface.