2008
Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir, Ulises Valdez Vineyard Russian River Valley
Winemaker's Notes
As exuberant a pinot noir as you will find from the Russian River Valley, this release from Ulises Valdez's Laguna Road vineyard is seductive with aromas of wild blackberry, pomegranate and clove.Velvet-textured and complex, the palate explodes with black cherry and kirsch, revealing subtler undertones of cola, earth and cedar as it opens in the mouth.Well-integrated oak weaves firm tannins with spice for a lasting finish.Alcohol 14.7%
Vineyard
Owner/Manager
Ulises Valdez
Vineyard
Ulises Valdez Vineyard
Appellation
Russian River Valley
Clones
Calera, Beba
Vineyard Age
Planted in 2001
Site
Contoured with northern and southern exposure; Sebastopol series Goldridge yellow and sandy clay loam soils
Yield
1.9 – 2.8 tons /acre
Harvest
Harvest Date
September 7
Harvest Brix
26.6°
Growing Season
2008 began with an exceptionally dry spring and early budbreak. Frosts in April significantly lowered cluster counts. Weather stabilized and warmed through summer, with warmer temperatures continuing through harvest. A smaller crop of high quality fruit was able to ripen fully and evenly, developing an excellent balance of sugars and acid. Overall, the 2008 wines are bright and expressive with well-articulated flavors.
Winemaking
§Hand-harvested grapes
§Fermented in small, open-top stainless steel fermentors with indigenous yeasts
§5 day cold soak, 16 days total maceration
§Hand-punched cap
§Concurrent, spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels
