2006 Sonoma Reserve
Pinot Noir

Winemaker's Notes

Wine:
Our Sonoma County Pinot Noir is rich and balanced with red fruit flavors of cherry, blackberry and plum. Its layers unfold to reveal an earthy character and delightful herbal notes, complimented by soft vanilla and a smooth, silky finish.

Land:
The 2006 growing season began with a very wet winter that lasted through bloom, followed by mild weather up to mid-July. The second part of July saw very warm weather, but the cooling coastal fog rolled back in to the area and brought relief. The ripening period of August thru September was ideal, with moderate temperatures and plenty of sun to gently ripen the fruit. Harvest began in mid-September and was completed by mid-October. Overall, the 2006 vintage was one of the best in many years, with sound, ripe fruit and very few defects in the crop.

Family:
At the core of the Gallo family's history in winemaking is a very definite philosophy on how wine should be made. Today this philosophy is being carried forward by third-generation Gallo family members responsible for the production, marketing, and sales of our wines. This approach to winemaking mandates that the Gallo family is personally involved with the vine and its grapes throughout the growing season to maximize the quality and character of the fruit they use. Only with this care and attention to the vine and its fruit does the Gallo family believe that they can make the best wine possible. Similarly, the Gallo family firmly believes that “no stone be left unturned” in the pursuit of growing the best wine grapes possible for their wines. The family devotes an unparalleled amount of passion and commitment to this task.

Varietal Content: Pinot Noir
Varietal Origin: Sonoma County
Residual Sugar: 0.2g/100ml
Titratable Acidity: 0.56g/100ml
pH: 3.81
Alcohol Level: 13.8%