Rowland Wines

1998 RODGERS VINEYARD PINOT NOIR New style from the Old World or an Old style from the New World...?? The ‘98 harvest in Napa Valley made me think I was making wine in another area ~ and I wasn’t thinking of the New World regions either. The reality that we are not in Burgundy but in Napa Valley really hits home when harvest decisions include an on-going threat of rain or mold. The scene has been set. The task at hand was to think French. We had to produce a great wine under adverse conditions, from the most challenging of grapes: pinot noir. Management decisions in this kind of year are crucial. Wine quality is made or lost in the vineyard. A successful vigilant disease control program was followed throughout summer. Fruit quality was intensified by lowering the yield (not by the cluster but by the half cluster) and diligently removing any leaves and shoots which might hinder the fruits sunlight absorption. The secret in making successful pinot noir is similar to any other year but to the ‘nth degree‘ when thinking French. Only with meticulous attention to the details of yield, sun exposure, and mold control can a wine be made such as this superb ‘98 Rodgers Vineyard. Notes and Stats Style: Accadian Vineyard Location: Oak Knoll District, 100% Rodgers Vineyard. Harvested: 4:30 a.m. August 21st 1998, 2 ton/acre @ 48F Fermentation Type: 100% Whole berry Yeast: 100% wild yeast Time on Skins: Cold Maceration 12 days, 28 days total Extended Maceration: 100% extended maceration Cooperage: 100% French Oak 1 year old Clarification: Unfined, unfiltered Wine Notes: Elegant, dark ruby in color. A rich bouquet of wild berry and spice, a dash of earthiness mingle with delicious cherry/raspberry flavors. The finish has a firm and generous mouthfeel. Back to Releases page... Also be sure to learn about...