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2007 Vintage Evolution

What can you expect!

So there is some good news and bad news to report.  The good news is the 2007 vintage is showing to be one of our strongest vintages in barrel.  The bad news is the amount of Pinot Noir Rosé produced was quite low.  Here’s why…..

The moderate and dry 2007 vintage was quite a contrast to the cool and wet 2006 vintage.  The berry size in 2007 was about half the size of the 2006 vintage, leading to natural concentration of flavors and tannins.  Given the small berry size, there was little to no need to remove a portion of the juice prior to fermentation.  The exercise of removing juice prior to fermentation helps distill flavors and the perceived richness of the palate. This tool is commonly used in abundant vintages like 2006.  The bi-product of this exercise is pink juice, which becomes rosé following fermentation.  The juice removal also concentrates the tannins in the skins and the seeds.  There is a finite amount of extractable tannin and other tactile sensation attributes.  If there is much liquid, this finite amount of extract can become diluted.  As juice is removed, the remaining liquid absorbs more of these extractable compounds. However, too much juice removal can over-concentrate tannins, bitterness, astringency, leading to a wine that lacks balance.

Climatically, the 2007 vintage was quite unique as well.  We had a severe winter freeze, stunting many of the vines in our vineyards.  Rainfall was below average, even up to 50% below averages in some areas.  Overall, there were moderately warm days and cool nights with the exception of a heat spike in the summer.  All of these factors contributed to the small berry size indicated earlier. The resulting chemistry of the wine was quite impressive as well, each lot showing ample acidity and precursors for graceful aging.  Good acidity, rich tannin and moderate growing conditions lends itself to very high quality wine, capable of being enjoyed while young as well as improving with age. 

Some more good news to report as well, Harvest 2008 is here!

Bill Brosseau
Winemaker