2004 Sonoma Coast Vineyards Balistreri Family Vineyard Freestone View Block Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.37% alc., 454 six-bottle cases, $100. The original 4-acre Freestone View Block of the Balistreri Family Vineyard was planted to a range of Pinot Noir Dijon clones in 1999. The 1- acre Alessio Block was added in 2005, two additional blocks were planted to Pinot Noir: Salmon Creek (3.4 acres) and the Bodega Ridge (4.2 acres). The southern-facing property is quite special, situated one mile west of Freestone and a mere four and half miles from the Pacific Ocean. Owned by Jack and Kathy Balistreri, this vineyard is one of the coldest vineyards on the extreme Sonoma Coast. High density planting of five Dijon clones (114, 115, 667, 777, 828). Yields are less than one ton per acre. 25% whole cluster. 10-day cold soak after clones blended together. Aged 20 months in 50% new French oak (36-month air dried barrels. Sonoma Coast Vineyards plans to build a winery on the Balistreri property in the near future. · Deep reddish-purple robe. Aromatic profile is complex with intense dark plum fruit, forest floor, steak char, roses and a little good funk. Attractive wild berry core with herbal overtones. Velvety texture and plenty of snappy acidity at end. Still relatively young and shy, cellaring for one to two years will reward the patient. Reviewed April 7, 2008

Winery: Sonoma Coast Vineyards
From article: Pinots from the Edge