By Notre Vin
2013 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 'Clos Madeleine'

Technical Notes
Grape Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Harvest: September 30th, 2013
Aging: 20 months in 100% new French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.20%
TA: 0.58 g/L
pH: 3.7

Grape Source
Our grapes for Clos Madeleine are from the cooler Petaluma Gap area. They were all hand-picked by our crew early on September 30th.

Vinification
Hand-harvested, sorted pre- and post de-stemming on our state-of-the-art sorting tables prior to a five-day cold soak at 40 degrees F. The fermentation of the pure berries took place for two weeks in one of our stainless-steel fermenters, perfectly temperature-controlled, with punch-downs twice a day based on tasting. After alcoholic fermentation, the wine was barreled in 100% new 500L French oak barrels, so-called puncheons. We had a weekly stirring regime for two months, and the Malolactic fermentation took place in barrels. Topping and racking the wine and regular tastings remained our primary duty until the bottling in 2015. We did not fine nor filter the wine prior to bottling to keep its full expression, so there might be a light deposit found at the bottom of the bottle.

Tasting Notes
Our Pinot has a beautiful garnet color, with hues of blue indicating its young age. The nose is typical of a pure Pinot Noir with floral notes of violets, daffodils, and white lilies. The new French oak shows ever so slightly with hints of cedar wood, fresh walnuts, and dark chocolate intermixed with fruity aromas of black cherries, dried wild strawberries, and candied cranberries with a touch of spice with cardamom, laurel, and creme brulee. The finish is well-balanced and elegant, with seamless integration of the tannins. This wine may be enjoyed now - particularly if decanted - but also be cellared for five to ten years.
[Information provided by Matador Vino]