2008 “Tondre Grapefield” Pinot Noir,

Vineyard Notes
Tondre Grapefield was planted in 1997 on six and half acres in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. It now has seven blocks for an accumulation of one hundred acres dedicated to Pinot Noir grape vines. A blend of 3 clones, 115, 667, 777, the vines are pruned to hang two clusters per shoot with an average thirteen shoots per vine which yield three tons per acre of ripe and distinctive Pinot Noir grapes. This appellation has protruding southeast facing slopes, strong maritime influences from Monterey Bay and ancient glacial soils consisting of decomposed granite, gravel and sandy loam. This is a true Region I climate.

Winemaker Notes
This is my first vintage from this vineyard. When harvest started approaching in summer of 08, I already had a good idea of what this wine wanted to be. Too many times Pinot’s from this area are made more like Syrah from California, instead of using restraint. The grapes were picked well under 24 brix, but were also physiologically ripe. We didn’t want to pick the grapes early just for the sake of picking them early. The alcohol clocks in right at 13.5%, with a good amount acid. If you don’t like natural acidity in your wines, then this one is not for you. Fermentation happened spontaneously, with 80% of it being whole cluster. No sulphur was added before fermentation, or during barrel aging. A small amount of sulphur was added just prior to bottling. Roughly equivalent to about 5 grams/barrel. The wine was left on its lees for the entire 10 months in barrel acting as it’s natural protectant.

Other Notes
10 months in 100% 1-3 yr old Burgundian French oak barrels