J. Lohr Crosspoint Pinot Noir 2006

Winemaker's Notes:

PHILOSOPHY Crosspoint Pinot Noir is produced from cool climate Monterey County grapes – an appellation that continues to gain respect for producing outstanding Pinot Noir. The introduction of Dijon clones of Pinot Noir in combination with the old standby Pommard clone have dramatically increased the quality of the varietal in Monterey County and these newer clones – particularly 115, 667 and 777 - are the backbone of Crosspoint Pinot Noir. The hand harvested, whole berry Pinot Noir is stainless steel fermented in open-top tanks at elevated temperatures using the traditional Burgundian punch down technique to extract the lovely strawberry and cherry fruit characters and sweet pigment tannins while minimizing the hard or astringent seed tannins. After pressing and racking, the wine is moved to third and fourth fill French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging to optimally develop the true varietal grape character without the encumbrance of oak aromas and flavors. We continue to be impressed with Pinot Noir from Monterey and proudly introduce our 2006 vintage. TECHNICAL DATA Vintage:                       2006 Origin:                          Monterey County, California Total Acidity:             0.64 g/100ml pH:                               3.66 Alcohol:                      14.49% by vol. WINEMAKER'S COMMENTS The 2006 Crosspoint Pinot Noir has a brilliant garnet red color of moderate depth. It has a complex varietal aroma of strawberry with hints of cherry and raspberry. Attractive fruit characters with a soft, velvety texture and some classic Pinot Noir spice dominate the palate. The light, soft texture of this wine and its characteristic mouth-filling fruit flavors are ideally suited to roast duck, grilled wild salmon or mushroom risotto.