Pinot Noir
The last three bottlings showed similar characteristics. Four Gates Pinot Noir can now be said to be forming a personality. Although it inevitably changes from vintage to vintage, it stays close to the same themes. Perhaps the four clones of Pinot Noir that are planted in the vineyard contribute to that: Pommard, Wedensville, Martini and 115. But winemakers are not finished debating which is more influential, the clones or the terroir. And the Santa Cruz Mountains have long been known for success with this grape.
One of the traits contributing to the popularity of Pinot Noir is its range of flavors without the weight associated with Cabernet Sauvignon and the Bordeaux varietals. This is a medium bodied wine. Characteristic flavors include cherry, cola, sweet oak, kirsche, plum, chocolate...
This Pinot Noir is a blend of the 2007 and 2008 vintages. Why blend, you ask? Well, its not complicated. You taste the wines separately and then you taste them together and then you bottle the best one.
This non vintage Pinot Noir is labeled 14.8% alcohol by volume. (Its actually closer to 14.4%.)
The previous non vintage Pinot Noir, which was a blend of the 2005 and 2006 vintages, is labeled 14.5%.
So if you happen to have both bottlings, this is how you can tell them apart.