Hendry HRW Pinot Noir

The grapes for this wine come from Pinot Noir Blocks 3 and 6, which are located closest to Redwood Creek, west of the town of Napa, within the Hendry vineyard. The climate here is moderated by morning fog with the surrounding hills protecting this Block from the afternoon maritime breeze. The Riparia Gloire roots in Block 3 were grafted with the Dijon 115 clone spaced 7’ x 5’ and are cordon trained and spur pruned. A six-foot, modified vertical trellis system supports the cordons and canopy. In 2013, median bud break in the Pinot Noir Blocks occurred March 26th. Bloom was complete by May 13th. Harvest was completed between August 27th and 30th. In 2013, average yield in the Pinot Noir blocks was 1.87 tons per acre. Alcoholic fermentation was completed in approximately one week using indigenous yeasts. At dryness, the wine was pressed and put into 2 and 3 year old barrels for malolactic fermentation and aged for 11 months. Brilliant ruby color. Initial aromas are of bright, clean fruit, smoke and leather. Light to medium body. Flavors are of strawberry jam or pie, with persistent smoke and spice at the edges, clean and balanced. Tannins are present but gentle, in balance with the lighter weight of this everyday wine. Great value.