While we are usually blessed
with relatively predictable weather patterns, the harvest
of 2004 delivered us a tremendous lesson in extremity. In
the early days of September, we patiently awaited flavor and
tannin development in all of our pinot noir vineyards. We
then encountered a very extreme Santa Ana weather pattern
where our typical onshore conditions shifted to warm winds
originating from the desert. This not only increased our daytime
temperatures significantly but also rendered our evenings
unconventionally warm. As a result, sugar levels rose swiftly
which warranted even more sensitivity to the timing of our
picking decisions. Historically we have found that this weather
trend only lasts a few days, but in 2004 it did not offer
us any reprieve until ten days after it commenced.
While common wisdom would lead one to pick as feverishly
as possible, we opted to take a more risky stance by waiting
for the weather to stabilize. We delayed our picking in order
to allow the flavor and tannin to catch up with the escalating
sugars in the fruit. While this approach was questioned by
many, it has led to the most exciting collection of wines
that we have ever produced. While some of the eventual alcohols
are somewhat elevated, they are very harmonious by virtue
of the intensity of flavor, high levels of natural acidity
and whole-cluster fermentation (in the case of pinot noir).
In year like 2004 more than ever, this stem inclusion served
as a tremendous counter to the richness of fruit, and is an
excellent example of the role of dynamics and balance in the
execution of wine.
For a printable version of the 2004 vintage
notes, please click here.
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Chardonnay,
2004, Ashley's, Santa Rita Hills
Flamboyant honeydew, peach and green apple aromas followed
by pear, sushi ginger and summer fruit flavors. Extremely
voluminous yet lively on the palate.
2,016 bottles produced
back
to the wine list
Chardonnay,
2004, Clos Pepe, Santa Rita Hills
Meyer lemon peel, kiwi and crème brulée aromas
followed by tangerine, lime and sesame oil flavors. Light,
refined and precise on the palate
2,880 bottles produced
back
to the wine list
Chardonnay,
2004, Melville, Santa Rita Hills
Reticent Asian pear, mesquite and agave aromas followed by
coriander, lime and fresh cheese rind flavors. Streamlined,
silky and complete on the palate.
2,592 bottles produced
back
to the wine list
Chardonnay,
2004, Mount Carmel, Santa Rita Hills
Intertwined hints of lavender oil, lemon and clove aromas
followed by focused cherimoya and truffle oil flavors. Silky,
seamless and very long on the palate.
3,456 bottles produced
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to the wine list
Chardonnay,
2004, Rancho Santa Rosa, Santa Rita Hills
Juniper, white sage and white pepper aromas followed by yuzu,
white peach and wet stone flavors. Chalky entry coupled with
a soft and oily mid palate impression.
5,184 bottles produced
back
to the wine list
Chardonnay,
2004, Sweeney Canyon, Santa Rita Hills
Gingerbread, lemon custard and petrol aromas followed by passionfruit,
gingersnap and briney oceanic flavors. Light footed and delicate
on the palate.
2,016 bottles produced
back
to the wine list
Pinot
Noir, 2004, Ashley's, Santa Rita Hills
Dark fruit, lavender and gamey teriyaki aromas followed by black
cherry and watermelon rind flavors. Polished and silky on the
palate.
2,304 bottles produced back
to the wine list
Pinot
Noir, 2004, Cargasacchi, Santa Rita Hills
Dark cherry, malt ball and black licorice aromas followed
by dried fig, rhubarb and morel mushroom flavors. Polished
and seamless on the palate.
2,016 bottles produced
back
to the wine list
Pinot
Noir, 2004, Clos Pepe, Santa Rita Hills
Black raspberry, black currant and sage aromas followed by
earthy, dark cherry and cassis flavors. Supple entry with
firmer structure on back palate
5,880 bottles produced
back
to the wine list
Pinot
Noir, 2004, Melville, Santa Rita Hills
Black stone fruit, lavender and wild floral aromas followed
by orange powder grape candy and briney flavors. Very firm
and glycerol on the palate.
1,728 bottles produced
back
to the wine list
Pinot
Noir, 2004, Mount Carmel, Santa Rita Hills
Rose petal, tummeric and dried cherry aromas followed by dried
cranberry and Moroccan spice flavors. Elegant, silky and tender
on the palate.
864 bottles produced
back
to the wine list
Pinot
Noir, 2004, Rancho Santa Rosa, Santa Rita Hills
Dried cherry and blueberry aromas followed by a very different
set of cedar, tobacco leaf and black walnut flavors. Firm,
tannic and structured on the palate.
2,880 bottles produced
back
to the wine list
Pinot
Noir, 2004, Rio Vista, Santa Rita Hills
Shiro plum, quinine and menthol aromas followed by milk chocolate
shaving, candied cherry and black molasses flavors. Fresh,
silky and fleshy on the palate.
2,304 bottles produced
back
to the wine list
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