WINEMAKER'S NOTES
From the broad palate of Dijon clone Pinot Noirs grown on the Van Duzer Estate, select barrels of the 2005 Dijon 777, 667 and 115 stood out for their distinction and compatibility. Tasters who favor the lively spice notes of Dijon grapes will find aromas of clove and cardamom, sandalwood and truffle to complement generous blueberry, blackberry and pomegranate. The initial impression in the mouth of sweet fruit gives way to flavors of black cherry/berry, pomegranate, clove and nutmeg. Baker’s Chocolate, sandalwood, cedar and hibiscus register as well. In this dense, rich wine, the tannins have some grip until softened with breathing time.

THE VINEYARDS
The 25-year-old vines that are the source for this blend of Dijon-clone Pinot Noir fruit originally bore chardonnay fruit. However, in 1998 and 1999 we grafted the vines over to Dijon varieties of Pinot Noir. We liked the early-ripening character of the Dijon clones because it extends the period of maturation when the grapes grow in concentration and complexity.

WINEMAKING
Grapes, hand picked in the early morning, were de-stemmed and crushed to a proportion of 40% whole berries. Once inoculated with yeast isolates from Burgundy, the must underwent a 4-day cold maceration. The wine was aged in 50% new French oak from the Vosge forest and 50% in once-used barrels. After 10 months of aging the selected lots were blended and the wine returned to barrels for an additional six months of aging to allow the blended wines to marry.