2008 Hunterdon, Santa Lucia Highlands
The 2008 Hunterdon features rich cherry fruit, balanced with sweet vanilla notes. The inspiration for Hunterdon comes from the crus of southern Burgundy, where producers age their wines in large casks to naturally introduce miniscule amounts of oxygen into the casks to soften and mature the wine. This controlled introduction of oxygen is known as "micro-oxidation." We believe this winemaking technique allows the true varietal character of pinot noir—stunning cherry fruit—to shine while maintaining a touch of the earthiness that pinot fans love.
The nose offers a combination of floral and cherry flavors creating almost a rich perfume. In the mouth, the sweet, upfront flavors give way to a warm finish. The velvety texture upfront is balanced with clean acid in the finish to create a balanced offering. Notes of bacon and black pepper add complexity to this quality offering for the value-conscious consumer.
The vineyard that produces Hunterdon overlooks the Gonzalez River and the fertile fields stretching out to Highway 101. In the heart of Santa Lucia Highlands, the soils are well drained and the exposure is such that the vineyard gets the benefits of the cool morning sun while moderately protected from afternoon sun. The vines were planted in the mid 1970's and are on their own roots. These ungrafted vines, rich with history, result in a pure expression of pinot noir. And, due to the age of the vines, produce small berries creating concentrated fruit flavors.
2008 Hunterdon Fact Sheet (PDF)
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