2009 Invincible Sun Late Harvest Pinot Grigio
Santa Barbara County

The Pinot Grigio grapes for the Invincible Sun are allowed to ripen to the maximum attainable sweetness that the vine is able to produce. After an additional 2-3 weeks of hang time, the dehydrating fruit is harvested at an extremely ripe state without botrytis and without any mold. Only the perfect and unblemished fruit is picked. It is picked cold, and then pressed and fermented in neutral barrels. This is a very bright, clean and aromatic expression of the Pinot Grigio grape varietal, not cloyingly sweet in the mouth, but rather possesses a firm core of acidity that frames the ripe, appealing flavors. Floral and fruit notes on the nose with bright lifting aromatics of white peaches, ginger, lavender and pie crust. Lighter bodied and not cloying, this is a refreshing late harvest wine with concentrated flavors that include nectarine, pear, mango and lime. The 2009 Invincible Sun is the ripest produced to date and along with white fruit and citrus there are hints of baking spice, peach pie and crème brulee.
*This wine is not filtered and has some sediment.

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2009 Pinot Noir, Cargasacchi Vineyard,
Sta. Rita Hills

The wine is savory and complex with aromas of raspberry, smoked cranberry and sage. A coating mouth feel envelopes and fills the mouth as the flavor of the first sip reaches the taste buds. The sensation of supple texture is followed by flavors of concentrated red cherries, wild berries and red plums that are zesty, showing intensity but not weightiness. Ripe and silky, with persistent flavors. Pinot Noir clones: This is a blend of clone 115 grown on two different rootstocks. 420A is shallow rooting and ripens earlier as the soil moisture is depleted. This results in brighter fruit characteristics. The 3309 rootstock is deeper rooting and later ripening than the 420A. The fruit character is darker, earthier and more tannic. The technique of using rootstocks on similar scions to increase complexity, is a common practice in the old world, but uncommon in the new world.

***This wine was not racked during elevage, resting on its own lees in barrel, undisturbed between pressing to barrel and bottling. There is more sediment in the neck of the bottle than in previous vintages.

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2009 Pinot Noir, Cargasacchi-Jalama Vineyard,
Santa Barbara County, 375ml

This is a complex and brooding wine with enough backing fruit to let you know where it came from. The nose shows the classic tea leaf and dark fruit character that has come to be part of the typical expression from this vineyard. The aromas are pungent and attractive, with interlaced hints of cedar and thyme. The flavors of this wine are a seamless blend of raspberry and blackberry with enough spicy character to lengthen the and add nuance to the fruit. The wine’s concentration is evident on the palate. In all its opulent fruit-forward character, flavor and richness, this is a bottle to open and drink by itself. Nevertheless, the structure behind this wine will make you want to pop and pour it with a nice steak, cut of lamb or other rich food. Enjoy!

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