2000 Pedroncelli "F. Johnson Vineyard" Pinot Noir

[Drew]

A delicious, earthy, medium bodied Pinot Noir with hints of leather, chocolate cherry and cloves, as described in the winemakers notes below. If the oak aging was judicious, it doesn't show in the flavor as this bottle showed just hints of vanilla which were not overwhelming. Ample tannins indicate aging potential. We paired with a simple dinner of garlic shrimp linguine but the Pinot overwhelmed the dish. Realizing now the strong, earthy side of this pinot, would suggest matching with richer seafood dishes which display earthy, mushroomy type flavors. Peasant stews and meat dishes even a Paul Prudhomme gumbo!
The wine was a gift so price is unknown. 13.9%Alc/vol.

Drew


2000 F. Johnson Vineyard Pinot Noir
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Single Vineyard Selection

Vineyard Sources
Fruit for this Chardonnay came entirely from Frank Johnson Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. Located near the southern boundary, less than two miles from the Russian River, the cool micro-climate (influenced by cooling fog layer and confluence of Dry Creek and Russian River), combined with the alluvial soils, these vineyards always produce wines of exceptional fruit and balance.

Winemaking
The round, full and polished texture of this wine comes not only from the high quality fruit but also judicious use of oak-aging the wine for 12 months in small French oak barrels, 25% of it new oak. It is nicely balanced, with subtle and delicate oak flavors that don't get in the way of the varietal characteristics.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
"Fruit forward nose of dried strawberries, plum and cherry. Soft leathery and vanilla notes. The French oak barrels impart structure and balance to the fruit, resulting in velvet-like tannins in the mouth. The finish is long and flavorful."

Technical Information
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Barrel Aging: 12 months, 60 gallon French Oak
Alcohol: 13.90%
pH: 3.58
Total acidity: .585
Production: 3800 cases
Bottled: 2/11/02