2005 Carlton Hill Estate Pinot Noir

     It is incomprehensible to me that another vintage has come and gone but we might as well accept the fact that the world just seems to be rotating faster and faster. The 2006 harvest is complete and the fruit set will soon be appearing on the cover of a Playboy Magazine near you. Simply magnificent!!! But, more on that next year.

    Farming was not a slam dunk in 2005. A cold, wet spring caused significant shatter among our clusters causing our yields in both the 115 and 777 blocks to average slightly under a ton to the acre. Harvest took place on the 27th of September and while the growing season had its challenges, the vineyard still managed to reward us with beautiful wine.

    For fans of the 03 vintage, the 2005 Carlton hill Pinot Noir will be welcome. With this wine, there is a return to the black fruit flavors that were prevalent in 03. Blackberry, cassis and plum flavors combine with silky, ripe tannins to create a balanced and voluptuous Pinot Noir.  

    The Willakenzie soils from the vineyard contribute further by adding the spicy notes of clove and cinnamon to the nose and finish. I used approximately 35% new oak on this vintage which is slightly higher than in ‘03 and ‘04. The 2005 Estate Pinot Noir was bottled in mid September and only 290 cases were produced. And, while the alchemy is not yet complete, like its predecessors, the ‘05 will continue to refine with bottle time.