Vintage
1997 was unusual in many ways. The growing season began early with good weather for the critical points of bud break and bloom. Early on, we could see that crop levels were significantly higher than normal. The weather remained warm through the summer, pushing the large crop ahead of schedule. We began harvesting in Sonoma County on August 14th, the earliest ever, and finished on October 6th, nearly a month earlier than "normal". With this long growing season and warm weather we were able to harvest fruit that was both ripe and fully mature.

Vinification
The lots were fermented individually in small open-top stainless steel fermentors for five days. The high skin to juice ratio allowed us to extract maximum flavor from the grapes. The wine was aged for 18 months in new and older American oak barrels. Then bottled, unfiltered, in July of 1999.

Tasting Notes
Aromas are of spicy cherry, clove and a touch of pepper, with flavors of black cherry, sweet oak and spice. Serve this wine with your favorite Italian dish or enjoy a glass by itself.

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