New Release 2009 Pinot Noir
April 1, 2013 by Katey Bacigalupi
Filed under Day to day, Pinot Noir, Store, Wines
TASTING NOTES
The 2009 harvest was a notable year especially for Russian River Pinot Noir. Cool and mild weather caused slowing in maturity which leads to a wonderful and complex flavor profile. Our 2009 exhibits a dark garnet color. On the nose, a bouquet of fresh strawberries, currants and a hint of sandalwood. This wine has a full, opulent, yet robust mid palate and finishes with lush fruit essences and a subtle spice of clove.
HARVEST NOTES
Crop yields rebounded from the previous year as there was minimal frost damage in April. The summer was cool, extending the growing season right into verasion. Acidity levels were slightly higher than normal but with mostly moderate temperatures we were still able to achieve physiologically mature fruit. Rain and thunderstorms did make a small appearance this year in the middle of harvest but we were able to get the Pinot Noir fruit off the vines quickly with no issues.
Vineyard Location- Bacigalupi Vineyards, Russian River Valley Appellation.
Climate- Cool mornings and warm afternoons
Soil- Rocky volcanic and sandy loam
Harvest Information
Date: Sunrise; September 6th, 2009
Lot: 10 tons
Wente and Pommard Clone
Brix: 24.6
Production Notes
Barrels: 33
Cases produced: 825 cases
Alcohol: 14.6%
3 tons fermented whole cluster, 7 tons crushed. 7-day cold soak, inoculated for malolactic.
New Release 2008 Pinot Noir recieves 92 points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine
March 14, 2012 by Katey Bacigalupi
Filed under News and Events, Pinot Noir, Store, Wines
Our 2008 Pinot Noir was awarded 92 points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Find it featured in the Advanced Buying Guide.
Harvest Information
Lighter yields in the vineyards resulted from a dramatic growing season beginning with below normal winter rainfall, an extended April frost that reduced quantity, followed by an ideally mild summer and fall temperatures with no precipitation. Berry size was small throughout California, this combined with the lighter yields and lower sugar levels resulted in excellent quality fruit.
Tasting Notes
This wine exhibits tremendous depth and layering in aroma. The bouquet is multifaceted with both red and black fruit flavors interwoven, and intense showcasing notes of valley floor and truffle. With a delicate toasted aroma this wine has a nice concentration of complex fruit. The finesse of this wine is undeniable to the palate and will mature gracefully.
Production Notes
Wente and Pommard clones. Three tons fermented whole cluster, 11 tons crushed (co-mingled fermentation). Seven-day cold soak after crush. Pressed very lightly; racked off gross lees, inoculated for malolactic and barreled down in 100% new French oak cooperage: 100% French oak, a mix of Francois Freres, Berthomieu, Darguad & Jaegle, and Taransaud.
Alcohol: 14.0%
590 cases produced
2007 Clonal Selection Pinot Noir
September 6, 2011 by Katey Bacigalupi
Filed under Pinot Noir, Store, Wines
The premier release of our 100% Pommard Clone Pinot Noir. A stones throw from the Russian River Valley this single vineyard Pinot is a pure expression of its vineyard location and clonal selection.
The highly desirable Pommard Clone (named for the village in Burgundy) is widely considered to produce some of the finest wines in the world. It is a difficult clone to cultivate due to its sensitivity to light, cropping levels, soil types and pruning techniques. It takes an almost perfect growing season to bottle a Pommard clone on its own. 2007 saw ideal growing conditions in the vineyard resulting in a long hang time. For many winemakers this clone presents one of the ultimate winemaking challenges. 359 cases produced
2007 Wente Clone Pinot Noir
August 1, 2011 by Katey Bacigalupi
Filed under Pinot Noir, Store, Wines
Introducing our first single vineyard, single clone Pinot Noir. Produced from vines on the Bacigalupi Vineyard, a stones throw from the Russian River this Pinot Noir is a pure expression of its vineyard location and clonal selection.
Referred to as the “Pinot Pioneers” Charles and Helen Bacigalupi were one of the first growers to plant Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley. Charles took the advice of industry colleague and friend, Paul Heck and began to plant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in place of Zinfandel due to the areas cooler climate. Charles obtained Wente budwood from Karl Wente in 1964, whose family took cuttings from the original vineyard in France. 418 cases produced
2006 John Tyler Pinot Noir
September 22, 2008 by Katey Bacigalupi
Filed under Pinot Noir, Wines
Tasting Notes
Our first vineyard plantings of Pinot Noir were in 1964, since that time we have strived to produce the highest quality fruit, and our 2006 Pinot Noir is no exception. The bouquet is filled with a hint of valley floor followed by notes of vibrant strawberries, rosemary and thyme. The bright fruit is balanced by a touch of minerality and earth tones. This wine has a velvety and full bodied mid palate with a long lingering finish and hint of dryness that will soften with age.
Vineyard Location Bacigalupi Vineyards– Russian River Valley Appellation
Climate: cool mornings and warm afternoons
Soil: Rocky volcanic and sandy loam
Harvest Information Date: Sunrise; September 3, 2006
Yield: 9 tons; approx 2-3 tons per acre
4 tons Pommard clone (24.7 Brix)
5 tons Wente clone (24.9 Brix)
Production Notes
Barrels: 27
Cases produced: 689
2005 John Tyler Pinot Noir
September 21, 2008 by Katey Bacigalupi
Filed under Pinot Noir, Wines
Tasting Notes
Our Russian River Pinot Noir vineyard exhibits classic Burgundian terroir. These nuances are deeply expressed in the 2005 Pinot. The wine combines subtle earth aromas with fresh pomegranate and dried cherry flavors. Elegant tannins and acid balance out to a smooth, delicate mouth-feel. New oak flavors mingle with hints of vanilla and soft rose petals to finish off a well-balanced wine. This wine with its creative complexity will continue to evolve over the next 10 years. Drink now through 2020
Vineyard Location Bacigalupi Vineyards– Russian River Valley Appellation
Climate: cool mornings and warm afternoons
Soil: Rocky volcanic and sandy loam
Harvest Information Date: Sunrise; September 13, 2005
Yield: 9 tons; approx 2-3 tons per acre
4 tons Pommard clone (24.7 Brix)
5 tons Wente clone (24.9 Brix)
The 2005 harvest was one of the largest in recent history. A cooler and longer growing season with moderate weather created ideal ripening conditions allowing the fruit to mature slowly and evenly.
Production Notes
Barrels: 27
Cases produced: 675
2004 John Tyler Pinot Noir
September 20, 2008 by Katey Bacigalupi
Filed under Pinot Noir, Wines
San Francisco Chronicle
May 2, 2008: Chosen as one of the top 25 Pinot Noirs from a single vineyard by the San Francisco Chronicle.
RATING: TWO AND A HALF STARS 2004 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard RRV Pinot Noir ($42) Subtle cedar, eucalyptus and spice on the nose plus toasty oak; dry, dusty mineral leads to flavors of roasted cherry and bright strawberry on the palate.
Dan Berger’s Vintage Experience Newsletter
March 13, 2008
Tasting notes: Very highly recommended 2004 John Tyler Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Bacigalupi Vineyards ($42). Earthy, complex herbal-cherry aroma with good grip. With air it opens to show faint notes of Burgundy.
Tasting Notes
This wine exhibits a beautiful dark ruby and garnet color. On the nose, aromas of black cherries are met with notes of leather, clove and vanilla. On the palate rich, ripe raspberries are complemented by hints of French oak a pepper. Silky smooth tannins, excellent mouth feel with good acidity and great length on the finish. Extensive ageing process makes for and elegant wine, ideal for pairing with a variety of food.
Vineyard Location: Bacigalupi Vineyards, Russian River Valley
Harvest Information: Date: Sunrise September 13th, 2004
Yield: 9 tons total; 4 tons Pommard (24.7 Brix) 5 tons Wente (24.9 Brix)
Production Notes:
Barrels: 20
Cases produced: 558
