2008 Skipper's Cuvee Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes

Named after Joe Dobbes' Daughter, Amelia aka Skipper, this unique Pinot Noir initially opens with aromas of fresh earth that quickly yield to effusive boysenberry and cassis aromas. The medium body and soft mouth feel welcome bright cherry and black raspberry flavors integrated with silky and sweet barrel and grape tannins. The long, velvety finish endures. Drink now through 2013.

Winemaking Notes

This 100% Rogue Valley Pinot Noir was chosen due to the very unique and exotic characteristics this Southern Oregon vineyard site expresses. My daughter Amelia - AKA "Skipper", is the inspiration and namesake of this wine.

The vineyard was farmed to approximately 3 tons per acre with one cluster per shoot in order to maximize exposure for full ripening. Grape clusters were de-stemmed with approximately 70% whole berries intact in the fermenter with 25% whole clusters of fruit added. The must underwent a sixday pre-fermentation cold soak at 45-50 degrees prior to heating to initiate indigenous fermentation. Each lot was punched down three times per day and pressed out between ten and sixteen days total fermentation time. The young wine was introduced to barrel within sixteen hours of pressing and was racked twice prior to bottling fifteen months later.

Wine Statistics

Yeast Strain: Indigenous
Barrel Aging: 10 months in French Oak
TA: 5.54 g/L
pH: 3.63
Alcohol level: 13.5%
Bottle Date: 9/9/08