2005 Wedell Cellars Hillside Vineyard Edna Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 30 cases, $125. Three different Dijon clones - 115, 667, 777 - on low vigor root stock. The goal in planting this clonal/rootstock combination was to delay bud break, increase hang time and acidity, and keep the vineyard’s yield extremely low. The vines are crop thinned to one cluster per shoot. Yields in 2005 from more than 2,300 vines was under 2 tons. Winemaking was the same as noted for the wine above. Aged 20 months in 75% new French oak barrels. · Dark reddish-purple color. Complex nose with bright cherry, a hint of strawberry, dried flowers, fresh ocean air, and a slight vegetal note. Super ripe fruit, approaching raisin, with accents of organic matter, smoke, oak and citrus. Soft and smooth in the mouth with powdery tannins. Reviewed July 19, 2008

Winery: Wedell Cellars
From article: Maurice Wedell: Wedell Cellars