Francis Coppola Director's Cut Pinot Noir

Directors Coppola Cut Pinot Noir is a blend from various Sonoma County appellations. Director's Pinot Noir is made from grapes from the Carneros and Russian River Valleys. The Carneros grapes are earthy, robust, and slightly spicy. Those from the Russian River Valley are intense and rich, thanks to the even cooler microclimate. The grapes are harvested in the early morning, which is essential for preserving the Pinot Noir's fruit. Fermentation in large, open-topped wooden barrels, with the daily breaking of the "cap"—the layer of skins covering the wine—creates abundant color and a powerful flavor. The wine is then aged in special Burgundy barrels, which perfectly respect the subtle character of the Pinot Noir. The wood rounds the wine beautifully and imparts a beautiful elegance. It is aged for six months in barrels, 70% of which are French and 30% Hungarian oak. Twenty percent of the barrels are new.