Brilliant dark ruby color. Black plum, blackberry, lifted cherry, and wet stone after rain aromatics that are pure and focused. Black tea and cherry pipe tobacco notes add complexity. A crisp fresh entry which expands into a rich and vibrant mid-palate. The lively tannins provide grip and depth and are framed by spice and berry compote notes that persist on the long finish.

The year 2006 began with plenty of winter rain followed by a mild but exceptional stretch of weather that encouraged abundant flowering. We dropped the largest amount of fruit in El Molino history. Even after we chose to leave only the most perfect clusters on the vine, we still recorded our largest grape harvest and are very satisfied with the quality we achieved. An intense heat wave just prior to veraison that retarded berry growth resulted in a higher skin-to-juice ratio which translates into a fruit intensity and acid balance that have really impressed us this year. As always, the Pinot noir is whole cluster fermented with indigenous yeast and spends its first 18 months in mostly new François Frères cooperage. After bottling, we age it for a year to soften the tannins and mellow its grip.