About 64 of our 150 acres of estate vineyards in Napa Carneros consist of Pinot Noir. The vineyards date from 1989 and ten Pinot Noir clones and selections are planted. Our Pinot Noir yields averaged 1.75 tons per acre in 2002. Winemaking After hand-harvesting, the grapes were de-stemmed only (whole berries). Some lots received up to five days of cold soaking before fermentation. The wines were fermented in open-top vessels with a 1:1 height-to-diameter ratio for optimum cap exposure. About 10% whole clusters were added to the fermentations. Most lots were inoculated with one of several yeast strains; some lots went through uninoculated fermentations. A pneumatic punch-down device was used up to four times daily to break up the cap and extract flavor and color. The wines were pressed directly to barrels, malolactic fermentations were completed in barrel, and the wines were racked just prior to bottling. Tasting Notes Abundant varietal character of pure Pinot Noir fruit. Sweet red and black cherry spice with hints of ripe raspberry. A sweet impression of juicy berry opens up the palate followed by more cherry and berry flavor. Smooth tannins and a complex body complete this Pinot Noir. Alcohol content, 14.4% by volume 12,936 cases produced

Restaurant Wine "Suddenly, Artesa is making some of California’s best Pinot Noirs. The Carneros is a rich, full bodied wine, with excellent balance and length. It tastes of black cherry, plum, toast, oak, and tobacco." The Dallas Morning News "Artesa Winery in the Carneros region is producing some amazing pinot noir... Artesa Pinot Noir has deep fruit aromas and dark, garnet color. A nuance of grapevine comes across as spice. The flavors are bright, ripe and intense. The fruitiness is exotic with a floral hint. Sounds great, huh?" Wine of the week. California Grapevine "Medium ruby; attractive, herbal, smoky, spicy, cherry fruit aroma that developed with airing in the glass; medium to medium-full body; rich, herbal, cedary, spicy, ripe black cherry fruit flavors; well balanced; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste." Highly recommended. Houston Chronicle "Bing cherries, touch of strawberry and cranberry, smoky fruit plus cinnamon and clove; very nice wine indeed – would be wonderful with coq au vin...underpriced at about $24." 4 ˝ stars. Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine "Aromas redolent of black cherries, brush, dusty oak and a hint of concentrated, dried berry character find exacting parallels in the wine’s ripe, frontal, sweet cherry flavors. Nominal tannins add a bit of grip to the slightly velvety texture, but this inviting effort will want very little aging." One star. Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences "Exceptional. Amply flavored with black cherry and a hint of fresh plum. The structure is like Corton, with weight that demands a few years in the bottle." Fort Worth Star-Telegram "If you are having a salmon dish, buy this wine... Get in on the ground level and taste this... It’s one of three that are produced and may be the sleeper of the group."