Beaux Freres Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge The Beaux Frères Vineyard

After a gloriously moderate growing season, one marked with gentle summer temperatures, perfect light/temperature ratios and just the right amount of rainfall on just the right crop-load, we were feeling that harvest 2013 would be a walk in the park. So when the weather forecast was calling for a period of rain just as the grapes were ready to pick, we discounted the news as we continued to float along on our “we got it made in the shade” cloud. Five days and 6 1/2 inches of rain later, that bubble had unceremoniously burst. We began the harvest with young vines first (they ripen earlier) and were able to get 15 tons of grapes in the winery before the rains. Because the older vines ripen slower we waited through the weather as our vines were hit with the full force of the rains. As soon as the remaining fruit finished ripening - we picked. We picked and processed with many hands, carefully sorting out any compromised grapes along the way. Thankfully, once in tank the ferments were trouble free, smelling fresh and clean. Now we are very proud to introduce to you our 2013 wines. After much editing and whittling we have some truly great wines that show the beauty of the vintage. If you have tried any of the vintages that I mentioned at the beginning of this note, or still have them in your cellar - you know how well these wines age, still vibrant and fresh, red fruited – full of life and depth, reflecting their growing season. I believe 2013 will demonstrate the culmination of what years of cool climate grape growing and winemaking experience can produce: Pinot noir at its very best!