Best In Show Pinot Noir 2007
Best in Show
The Best in Show series includes very limited quantities of remarkable red wines from prestigious vineyards known for their unique wine-growing climate and terroir. Characteristic of the superior quality of the wine itself, each label features a champion breed from an international dog show, such as, Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Eukanuba and Crufts Dog Show.
Tasting Notes Update: August, 2010
"The fruit for this very special wine comes from Maboroshi Vineyard – a small and superb vineyard high above the Russian River Valley. Truly a “hand-crafted” wine, I fermented the grapes in small, open-top bins and punched the must down by hand daily. To respect the purity of the exceptional organically grown fruit I used no new oak for aging. The result, I think, is incredible. This wildly aromatic wine features high tone cherry, cranberry and warm Christmas spices. The palate is stunningly rich and spicy with flavors of juicy blackberry, pomegranate, Framboise and orange peel. I LOVE this wine! And it’s just getting better and better… Only seven barrels produced." Tony Wasowicz, Winemaker
Label Art
Our labels feature original, limited-edition, graphite or pastel pencil illustrations by artist Jay P. Snellgrove. Each honors a real dog – some with special stories – a reminder of how empty this world would be without the unconditional love and devotion of “man’s best friend.
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The Airedale Terrier on the label is the Championship Breed that won “Best in Show” at the Crufts Dog Show in 1961 and again in 1986. Named after its founder, Charles Cruft (who worked as a general manager for a dog biscuit company), Crufts is an international Championship conformation show held annually in Birmingham, England. Originally named "The First Great Terrier Show" the show dates back to 1886. Commonly referred to as the "King of Terriers", the Airedale is the largest and hardiest of the breed. A quick learner with a sweet disposition (but not timid about defending itself) the breed has been popular with U.S. Presidents, including Wilson, Harding and Coolidge. |
Our Causes
Because of our lifelong love of our canine friends, we support worthy causes that involve dogs. We donate a minimum of 10 percent of our online sales to our charitable partners: Canine Companions for Independence and Morris Animal Foundation’s Canine Cancer Campaign. In addition to monetary support, we hope to raise public awareness and understanding of the causes our wines support, perhaps encouraging more people to become involved in their efforts.
| Vintage: | 2007 |
| Wine Type: | Medium Red Wine |
| Appellation: | Russian River Valley |
Truly exceptional Pinot Noir can only come from a truly exceptional vineyard. And we were very fortunate, indeed, to source a tiny amount of Pinot Noir grapes from a small vineyard in the famed Russian River Valley Appellation, which perfectly met the requirements for our Best in Show designation. At an elevation of 600 feet, Maboroshi Vineyard (Mabaroshi is a Japanese term meaning “Extraordinary Vision”) is among the first in the area to clear from morning fog. Pesticide- and herbicide-free, these Dijon selections of Pinot Noir have been organically farmed since being planted in 1999. The perfumed aroma of our 2007 Best in Show Pinot Noir almost defies description; hints of strawberry, rose petal, and subtle earthiness. Add a touch of cinnamon. Then a pinch of white pepper… Supple Mandarin orange spice backs the more forward pomegranate, red currant and mineral components. Its character is unique to this vineyard and a pure expression of vineyard terroir. At a total production of only 6 barrels (about 131 cases), this beauty is destined to be ephemeral. -Tony Wasowicz, Winemaker, 2009- 100% Pinot Noir Alc.= 14.4%