Zepaltas Wines

I definitely got more involved with the vineyard in 2006.The main reason is that I live about 10 feet from the vines - I took up residency at the Suacci Vineyards when their cottage became available.
We had improved yields this year- almost 1 ton per acre! Again, probably not a good business model, but perfect fruit.

I was able to pick and ferment all three blocks separately. It was a huge learning experience to see how a block of pinot 100 yards from another can be 10 days behind in ripening, and have completely different flavors. Or, how a row of trees adjacent to one block will affect the ripening time.

The vineyard produced tiny clusters that created intense, dark color and great acid profile that gives the wine stability, and brightness of flavor.
The flavor highlights are pomegranate and raspberries. There is an overlying presence of herbal character that is screaming Sonoma Coast. I know that it is cliché to say, but this wine is way better than the 2005 version (and that was my favorite wine of last year.) I just think I did a better job with the oak selection, and was more in tune with the vines throughout the growing season.