2008 Dierberg Pinot Noir

2008 Dierberg Pinot Noir


Price: $42.00


Dierberg Vineyard is situated atop a sandy loam mesa above the south bank of the Santa Maria River, in the near-extreme Western portion of the Santa Maria AVA.  Its proximity to the ocean makes it one of the coolest vineyards in the appellation.  Our vineyard is planted with 11 different clones of Pinot Noir including approximately 60% Dijon (667, 777, 115), and 40% Heritage clones that trace their provenance to Europe (Burgundy, Epernay, Switzerland).  This clonal diversity empowers our winemaker to make a nuanced and complex Pinot Noir.

WINEMAKER NOTES
  • Fruit is harvested by soil type, across several different blocks, rather than by discreet clonal selections.
  • The new wine finishes primary fermentation and undergoes secondary fermentation in barrel.
  • Aged in 33% new French oak for 18 months and was bottled unfined and unfiltered in May, 2010.

VINTAGE NOTES
The 2008 vintage included such weather as early season rains, a spring frost and then a wild heat wave, all of which we navigated with great success.  Our diligent effort in the vineyard reduced the vines vigorous canopies and green harvest.  Fastidious sort work was also required.  The 2008 vintage presents beautifully in the glass because a smaller crop size created highly concentrated flavors.

TASTING NOTES
Opens with a room-filling bouquet of cinnamon, redwood, Chandler strawberry, and our characteristic "Santa Maria spice"- a mélange of spices, particularly black pepper and cumin. Mid palate notes of small red fruits and baking spice are given further depth by hints of iron, mocha, and cedar box. We expect our 2008 Pinot Noir to deliver long-term pleasure for those with the patience to cellar it.