2005 Brosseau Chalone Pinot Noir

Jan and Jon Brosseau first planted their vineyard in 1981 and 1982, high above the Sa¬linas Valley in the heart of the Chalone appellation. The vineyard typifies Burgundian terroir, with its cool Monterey coastal climate and rocky limestone soils, and is a perfect site for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Our Pinot Noir block was planted in 1999 to the Mt. Eden clone and typically yields 2-3 tons per acre. The wine shows a wonderful balance of fruit, structure, and minerality. Nestled in the hills of the Chalone appellation, just around the bend from Pinnacles National Monument, the Brosseau Vineyard has produced fantastic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for many years. It is a very soil-driven site with sections of the vineyard nearly white from limestone. Because of this, wines made from Brousseau fruit gain a pronounced minerality, with a soft, structured mouthfeel and a range of earth flavors not often found in other California vineyards. 2005 marks our first year producing Brosseau Pinot Noir and Chardon¬nay, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. On the nose, the 2005 Brosseau Pinot Noir is a great mélange of rose and brooding cherry, with hints of mint, mocha and blackberry. The overall impression is that of a deep, dark aromatic profile with lighter overtones. The palate is lush with minerality, and thick, soft tannins coat the palate. The fruit profile is much redder on the palate than on the nose, but it still expresses a nice combination of red and black fruit, with balanced oak, minerality, and acidity. The tannic structure will allow it to age well over the next several years.