Winemakers and Vineyard Managers will both agree that the Monterey vintage of 2005 was as graceful and rhythmic as a ripening season can get. After a number of relatively dry years, the winter and spring of 2005 provided generous rainfall, which allow the vine roots to explore into newly moist soils. This invigorates the vine as they find nutrients in the soil where the new roots have grown. Bud break and berry set were welcomed with perfect seasonal warm and mild temperatures, which kept all expectations high for a quality crop. The summer rolled along and we enjoyed consistently warm weather as the sugars and grape maturity progressed. We saw our grapevines balanced with uniform ripening. Entering harvest with such perfect ripening conditions really makes the crush season a “no stress party”.

The Pinot Noir in “Block 7” reaped the benefit of the long season. The fruit progressed with the weather and the acid levels held, with the promise of fresh fruit character in the glass. The berries seemed to soften slowly toward the approach of 24 brix and the juice sampled showed beautiful color. The grapes were brought into the winery at full maturity with harvest sugars at approximately 24 brix. The four individual clones were vinified separately. The final Block 7 wine uses “Pommard 4 “ for its perfume and fresh fruit, “115” for its spice, leather and earth character, “667” for its suppleness and to boost the Mid palate, lastly the “777” clone, for its deep color and dark fruit flavors. The fruit was cold soaked for 24 hours then inoculated with yeast. Fermentation lasted about 10 days. The wine was then pressed to neutral French oak barrels to complete malo-lactic fermentation. When malo-lactic completed, the wine was racked off the lees and left to mature in French oak barrels for six months.

The 2005 Block 7 has a freshness that shows off the fruit of Pinot Noir. The aromatics are reminiscent of rose petals with an essence of mulled spice. The color shows the hue of ruby and the flavors are delightful. Once in the glass, all flavors show bing cherry with a brisk hint of blueberry. The wine has balance and elegance and will keep your attention with generous layers of fruit. We are proud of the quality that our Block 7 delivers.

This Pinot Noir will complement dishes that are not too overpowering. Sauté of poultry and fresh vegetables with the perfume of olive oil as the contrast, will really show off this wine style. Pour a glass as you dream up your meal and let this wine guide you through the plan. Enjoy.