2005 Widdoes Russian River Pinot Noir

The eighteen-year-old vines from Widdoes Vineyard were all planted to the Beringer clone and are dry farmed allowing this vineyard to ripen slowly and gain terrific concentration. The wine expresses an earthy character while displaying classic Russian River fruit with tremendous depth and complexity. The great structure and firm tannins in the wine will allow it to age gracefully for many years to come. The Widdoes Vineyard is owned by Shirley & Don Widdoes, whose family has owned the property for many years. It is located in the cool micro-climate zone of Green Valley in the Russian River Valley, and is leased and farmed by the Duttons, who planted the vines nearly twenty years ago. These relatively old vines tend to ripen fruit slowly, producing wines with tremendous depth and complexity. Tobacco and chocolate aromas join spiced notes on the nose, rounding out to include raspberry cordials and earthiness. The palate reflects these elements as well and bursts with raspberry and red plum, drawing out in a long finish of fruit, spice, and chocolate shavings. Well-balanced tannins and acidity give the wine good grip and will allow it to age well over the next several years.