Vintage
The amount of rainfall, though early, was normal. Dry weather reigned from March, the warmest March on record, to October. The warm weather jump-started the growing season, making farmers nervous (more much time for things to go badly). Things did cool down for spring extending bloom. Periods of long bloom affect uniformity in reds causing a potential of uneven ripening within an individual grape cluster. In our vineyards, we ‘green drop’ to balance the crop and eliminate late ripening fruit at the end of verasion. Summer was moderate without any heat waves; but it was humid raising concerns of mildew. By the end of July it was evident that an early harvest was upon us. We began picking our Sauvignon Blanc on August 13th, the earliest ever, and had brought in about 15% of the total crop by the end of August when it got hot and dry. High temperatures are not unusual in late summer and early fall but humidity under 20% is very unusual. In fact the average low humidity over the previous five years didn’t go below 30%. Extended periods of hot, dry weather are difficult for a grapevine to endure. With almost two weeks of 10 - 20% humidity in late August and September, mildew was now the least of concerns! Grape sugar was soaring before flavors had matured; our growers did a great job sustaining vineyards until flavors developed. By the end of September we were evaluating an outstanding vintage. 2004 is a vintage of ripe and well-developed flavors with the best overall quality in years.

Vinification
Only free run Sauvignon Blanc juice was sent immediately to press. The wine was tank fermented for 60 days and bottled in February 2005. Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc blended with organically grown Muscat Canelli from our friends the Bartolucci Family. Alcohol 14.5%, Total Acidity .6, pH 3.46, Residual Sugar .1%. Only 494 cases produced.

Tasting Notes
Together Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat Caneli produce a bright, fresh wine with layers of pink grapefruit, lemony citrus and floral aromatics. The result is a resounding WOW... Oui!

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