Winemaker and winery: Brian Maloney, Julia Vazquez and Greg La Follette. Deloach Winery

Grape variety: 77% Pinot Noir, 9% Carignan, 5% Syrah, 5% Barbera, 2% Grenache and 2% Zinfandel.

Region: Russian River Valley (40% of Pinot Noir, 100% of Grenache and Zinfandel), Mendocino (Carignan), Central Coast (Syrah), Lodi and Solano County (60% of Pinot Noir), and Lodi (Barbera).

Viticulture/Vinification: Several different clones and terroirs are used in this wine ranging from soils from an ancient uplifted seabed to decomposed soils of volcanic origin. The wine is produced through a mixture of 60% closed top fermentation in stainless steel with ageing in tank and 40% open top fermentation with barrel ageing.
Dark and figgy aroma. Sweet and syrupy but with a degree of Pinot flavour and the alcohol is reasonable.

13.50%
Availability: April - major stores.

02/04/09

_________________
mel