2009 Reliz Creek Pinot Noir Wine

Since the early 1960's, Wente Vineyards has been growing Pinot Noir in the Arroyo Seco region of Monterey. This Pinot Noir has aromas of cherry, strawberry, and vanilla, with hints of toasted oak, earth and cigar box. Flavors of black cherry and vanilla are followed by a long fruity finish, with undertones of earth and spice.

A majority of the fermentation took place in small upright stainless steel fermenters, gently pumped over twice daily. Some of the fermentation took place in small 1-ton fermenters, punched down twice daily.

Aged for 19 months in a combination of new French, American, Eastern European and neutral oak barrels.