Best In Show Pinot Noir 2007

Truly exceptional pinot noir can only come from a truly exceptional vineyard. It’s a notoriously fussy grape, showing it’s very best only when pampered with perfect soils, sunny (but cool) weather, and the soft touch of an experienced viticulturist. Whether it be luck, fate or karma, the Cru Vin Dogs team was very fortunate indeed to sniff out and 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.

Maboroshi Vineyard sits high above the Russian River in the hills of southwestern Sebastopol. The soils here are thinner and less fertile than their river bottom counterparts, and at an elevation of 600 feet this vineyard 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 planting in 1999.

Blessed with a scant 2 tons of this precious fruit, we realized that we needed to pull out all the stops and ferment the grapes with the great respect they deserved. Following de-stemming, the fruit was very lightly crushed into two 1 ton picking bins. The juice was “punched down” three times a day entirely by hand, avoiding the pumps and the stainless steel tanks typical in wine production. Following the ferment, the wine was aged sur lees in 1 to 2 year old French oak barrels so as not to overwhelm the classic subtleties of this noble grape. The result was magic.

The perfumed aroma of our 2007 Cru Vin Dogs “Best in Show” pinot noir almost defies description. Imagine a million strawberry soaked rose petals raining softly onto a mushroom covered forest floor. And then add a touch of cinnamon. And then a pinch of white pepper. I could go on and on…

Another thing I love about this wine is the supple Mandarin orange spice that backs the more forward pomegranate, red currant and mineral components. It’s a character, I believe, that is unique to this vineyard and is a pure expression of vineyard terroir.

About the only problem I have with this wine is the quantity. At a total production of only 6 barrels (about 130 cases) this beauty is destined to be ephemeral.

Best in Show -
The Best in Show series includes very limited quantities of remarkable wines from prestigious vineyards. The second release in this series is an exceptional 2007 Pinot Noir and limited to fewer approx 130 cases. The labels feature champion breeds from international dog shows such as, Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Eukanuba and Crufts Dog Show. This release — in a spectacular package — features a full-body drawing of an Airdale Terrier.  Due its limited production, no discounts can be applied to this wine.

Label Art -
This first release in our Best in Show Series is an original illustration by Jay P. Snellgrove.  See the Art Gallery for limited hand signed and numbered giclee print reproductions of the original artwork, available for sale to art collectors and dog lovers alike.

The Causes -
A portion of our sales revenue on all wines, art, and merchandise is split equally between Canine Companions For Independence and the Morris Animal Foundation's Cure Canine Cancer Campaign.

We also make additional donations on selected wines to great causes such as the Alie Foundation  and the Colorado Greyhound Adoption in order to provide both awareness and funding.