Grapes are sourced throughout the esteemed North Coast. Hailing predominately from Potter Valley in Mendocino County, great day-night temperature variations separate Potter Valley from other growing areas in Mendocino. Mid-day in this inland valley can be truly hot, but nighttime temperatures plummet. Under such conditions Pinot Noir flourishes, developing strong, but refined character. We also source small amounts from Redwood Valley, Lake County and the Petaluma Gap in Sonoma to make a vibrant and characteristic Pinot Noir. FERMENTATION & AGINGGrapes were hand-harvested and 100% destemmed to soften tannins. The grapes were transferred to tank as whole berries. The wine naturally began fermentation and temperatures were capped at 90ºF. A mixture of cap management practices were utilized to extract flavor and eliminate bitter elements. Skin contact averaged 14 days, and then free-run was separated from the press fraction. The wine was inoculated with malolactic bacteria, which enhances balance and roundness, and then transferred to 40% French, American and Hungarian oak barrels for 10 months before blending and bottling.