MacMurray Ranch_Pinot Gris

DESCRIPTION:
MacMurray Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Gris possesses an expressive fruit-forward character, exhibiting rich aromas of fig, white peach, and pear. The bright aromas and complex varietal characters of citrus and elements of spice add both weight and interest to the wine. The flavors of peach, spicy pear and citrus meld together in a rich core, resulting in a round mouth feel which complement its crisp, clean finish.

Detailed Winemaker's Notes
WINEMAKING NOTES:
Pinot Gris grapes grown on the MacMurray Ranch property went into making the 2008 Sonoma Coast Pinot Gris wine. Once the grapes were picked, they were gently whole-cluster pressed and the juice was cold-settled to give the wine elegance and balance to the mouthfeel. The Pinot Gris juice was primarily stainless steel tank fermented for 14-21 days with temperatures not exceeding 62° F. Some of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation and then it was racked for settling and blending. The wine was aged in the bottle for two months prior to release.

VITICULTURAL NOTES:
The 2008 Sonoma Coast harvest encountered many challenges including frost, heat, drought, and wind, however most producers were able to overcome these trials to produce a crop that was smaller than usual, but of very high quality. The early growing season was characterized by very dry weather and then frost hit in April, which was the worst frost reported in decades. As the vines were blooming in May, an early heat wave caused the vines to set a smaller crop than normal. The summer months were fairly moderate and warm, with an early harvest beginning in August. Another heat wave hit in early September which increased sugar levels rather quickly and left winemakers frantically rushing to pick the ripening grapes. Cooler weather came in late September and slowed harvest. The Sonoma Coast region was fortunate to avoid rain until late October as the harvest was winding down. Overall, the crop was smaller this year from the previous 2007 harvest, but the fruit was balanced and the quality remained high.

TASTE PROFILE:
The Sonoma Coast covers 750 square miles, from the Mendocino County line in the north to the Sonoma-Marin border in the south. Adjacent to the Russian River Valley, portions of the Sonoma Coast offer a unique climate zone - the coolest area in Sonoma County. Cool, moist air from the Pacific Ocean and cooling winds and fog pour in through the Petaluma Wind Gap, creating ideal conditions for growing Pinot Noir. As a result of these unique characteristics, the Sonoma Coast is recognized as a premier source for exceptional Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris varietal wines.

FINISHED WINE:

Grape Source: Sonoma Coast

Varietal Content: Pinot Gris

Titratable Acidity: 0.6

Residual Sugar: 0.41

Alcohol: 13.9

pH: 3.31