PN.Floodgate RH.2009

2009 Pinot Noir
Floodgate Vineyard
Rock Hill

Floodgate Vineyard is located in the heart of Russian River Valley’s most coveted Pinot Noir sub appellation known as the Middle Reach. It is here where the region’s most prestigious vineyards reside, and where the most highly acclaimed producers source their fruit. This is one of our estate properties, and the future home to our new production facility.
Rock Hill (Block 16) is a tiny block planted in 2000 on one of the rockiest knolls on the property. Though vigor is low in these difficult soils, winemaker Gary Farrell feels this could be one of the finest locations within Floodgate Vineyard for the cultivation of exceptional Pinot Noir wines.

Tasting Notes

Download Tasting Notes (PDF)

Vintage Summary

I can honestly say the 2009 was the most enjoyable grape harvest of my career. Though late-ripening varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, etc.) sustained significant damage from October rains, cool dry conditions prevailed throughout our entire harvest of Russian River Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Yields were modest but quality was universally high; with exceptionally clean fruit exhibiting optimum structure and flavor profiles. It’s truly an exciting opportunity to have such incredible raw materials from which to craft our wines.

Winemaker Notes

Bright aromas of raspberry, currant and fresh plum explode from the glass, and draw us toward flavors which are similarly bright and possess amazing purity and focus on raspberry, blueberry and spice. Mouthwatering acidity is prevalent throughout; and the finish is vibrant, refreshing and incredibly satisfying. Absolutely delicious and incredibly balanced, this Pinot Noir is an obvious choice for moderately spiced entrees or careful, long-term cellaring.

Gary Farrell, winemaker

Cellar Notes

  • Vineyards and Clones

    Floodgate Vineyard – Rock Hill (Block 16)
    Dijon Clone 777

  • Harvest Information

    Harvest date: August 31
    Hand harvested at night under lights
    Hand sorted in vineyard
    Average brix: 23.9 degrees

  • Grape Processing

    Cold fruit processed early AM
    Hand sorted prior to stem removal
    Hard sorted after stem remova

  • Fermentation

    Tanks: Small open tops
    Cold soak: 5 days
    Yeast: Combination wild and cultured
    Mixing: 3 manual punch down daily
    Duration: 11 days

  • Barrel Program

    ML fermentation in barrel
    100% French oak
    45% new (Francois Freres, Rousseau)
    55% one and two year old
    13 months in barrel

  • Finished Wine

    Alcohol: 13.9% by volume
    Titratable acidity: 7.05 gm/L
    pH: 3.40
    Bottling date: July 16, 2010
    Production: 159 cases (9 liter equivalent)

Accolades