Pinot Grigio 2004
Our 2004 Pinot Grigio is a blend of wines from two Santa Barbara County vineyards - Ashley's Vineyard and Thompson Vineyard. Ashley's Vineyard is in the western end of Santa Rita Hills. The daily morning fog and the afternoon breezes keep the temperatures low, allowing the fruit to develop complexity and a lively acidity. Thompson Vineyard is further north and east, near Los Alamos, where warmer temperatures produce fruitier characteristics and an interesting texture.
The two vineyards were picked within a week of each other. The grapes were pressed and then cold settled for a week before being brought up to cellar temperature and inoculated with yeast. The 2004 Pinot Grigio was cold-fermented in 100% stainless steel to preserve the natural floral and fruit aromas and flavors. The wine was completely aged in stainless steel, and bottled in February 2005 as our first wine with a screw-top finish.