Winemaker Notes

The 2004 vintage saw the return of a very classic Alexander Valley wine with a powerful, fresh, lively style, and a solid, precise structure. Very concentrated fruit is supported by an imposing structure, and already showing great purity and a rare level of energy. The finish is long and very silky, supported by very well-integrated tannins.

Climate and Harvest

2004 had an excellent beginning with warm temperatures in March for early bud break. By mid-Spring the weather cooled again, and bloom arrived later than usual. With this in mind, we shaped our viticultural program around a shorter, hotter season. Warm weather prevailed from May to July with no real heat spells and continued through August. With meticulous hands-on canopy management, we were prepared for the heat wave of September.

Warm temperatures in March led to an early budbreak, but a cooler spring drew out the time during bloom, giving us excellent conditions for berry set. Cool, foggy mornings in July gave way to a warm August and September. Yields were small, with dense, intense flavors. We worked through the hot weather holding off the harvest of any fruit in September. Having prepared for a heat wave, we kept the vines from incurring heat stress. After this test of mother nature, we relaxed with empty fermentation tanks and waited for the slow development of perfect maturity for our estate fruit. We began harvesting the Merlot on October 8th, following with the Cabernet Sauvignon the following four days and the completing with the Cabernet Franc on the 18th of October.