Winemaker's Comments

In the heart of Russian River Valley, along a country road lined with old olive trees, is Olivet Lane Vineyard, one of the most mature plant­ings in our region. At thirty years of age, Olivet Lane is a rare, heritage vineyard, the epitomy of Russian River Valley terroir.

The venerable grapes from Olivet Lane have concentrated Bing cherry character. I extract the grapes' deep flavor by using the traditional Bur­gundian winemaking techniques I call Methode a I'Ancienne. Building on a core of perfectly ripe fruit, I add even more texture by the influence of eighty-five percent new French oak barrels, cus­tom made by Francois Freres.

The 2000 Olivet Lane Pinot Nair aged eleven months in these barrels, enhancing the wine's attractive spicy character. The result is a silky, curvaceous wine with a hint of mystery. There is pedigree here-a purity, elegance and richness drawn from the roots of this mature vineyard. I taste a long fu­ture for this Pinot Nair, its focused, classic tone continuing through a lasting, succulent finish.