About Fogarty
Few wine regions on earth can match Santa Cruz Mountains’ climates, soils and vertigo-inspiring views. Set high in the mountains overlooking California’s Silicon Valley, the Thomas Fogarty winery has been making single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet from the SCM appellation since 1981. Fogarty’s two estates are divided into micro-vineyards, ranging from .25 to 5.25 acres, based on soil and topography. All are maritime (12-18 miles to Pacific), cool-climate (Regions I and II), high-elevation (1600-2300 feet), low yielding (1-3 tons per acre) and mountainous. The winery was founded by Dr. Thomas Fogarty, a Stanford cardiovascular surgeon and world-renowned inventor.

Vintage
2006 was a long vintage with consistently fine weather during harvest. We picked many varieties a full week to two weeks later than normal. The mild weather allowed for ripe flavors at lower sugar levels than in previous years. There was some Botrytis pressure in certain lots, but meticulous work ensured the elimination of any infected bunches.

Vineyards
The 2006 Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir was sourced from five vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA. Our entire Estate production was included in this blend along with the Krause vineyard in Los Altos, the Regan and Schultze vineyards in Corralitos and the Edmunds vineyard from the Summit Rd. area. This blend highlights the regional character of Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir, stressing the characteristics we find unique to the area- bright fruit, taut acidity, velvety structure and an elusive forest floor/earthy character.

Winemaking
Our 2006 Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains was aged on the lees in 23% new French Oak for 10 months. It was racked only one time and was bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve color, bouquet and texture.

Tasting Notes
While not as dense as the ‘04s and ‘05s, our 2006 Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot still offers great class and integrity. And well it should. This beautifully balanced wine features fruit from some of the finest cold-climate, high elevation sites in the appellation. The wine is moderately dark with bright aromatics of tart cherry, black tea and orange peel. The entry is bright and carried by soft tannins that emphasize the fruit and earth components so distinctive to the Santa Cruz Mountains.

TECHNICAL DATA:

Appellation
Santa Cruz Mountains

WINEMAKER
Michael Martella

VINEYARDS
69% Estate, 13% Krause, 6% Regan
6% Edmonds Vineyard & 6%Schultze

Finished alcohol: 14.5%
Acid/pH: .6/3.73
Oak treatment: 100% French, 10 Months, 23% New Oak
Total production: 2109 cases
Release date: October 15, 2007
Retail price: $25.00