This is our first single vineyard designated Pinot Grigio (also known as Pinot Gris) from Esperanza Vineyard in the Clarksburg appellation. All of the grapes were grown at Esperanza, where the constant warm days are cooled by afternoon ocean breezes that follow the river from the San Francisco Bay, dropping the nighttime temperature by as much as 50 degrees. This cools the grapes and allows longer hangtime on the vine to develop intense flavors. The vines are essentially dry-farmed, which helps the grapes to ripen with good acidity, flavor and color. We blend a small amount of Viognier (a white Rhône varietal also grown at Esperanza Vineyard) with the Pinot Grigio to enhance the aroma and structure of the wine.

Tasting notes

Echelon Pinot Grigio offers a honeysuckle and citrus nose with hints of tropical fruit. Pear and apple flavors are enhanced by a crisp, refreshing finish.

Technical notes

VINTAGE 2002 APPELLATION Clarksburg VARIETAL COMPOSITION 86% Pinot Gris 14% Viognier BARREL AGING 4 Months 100% French Barrels 5% New Oak–Medium Toast RELEASE DATE June 2003 OPTIMUM TIME FOR CONSUMPTION 2003-2005 PRODUCTION STATISTICS Harvest Date 8/24/02–8/31/02 Sugar at Harvest 23.4° BRIX Wine pH 3.40 Wine Acidity 5.71 GM/LTR. Alcohol 13.8% Case Production 1,060

Food pairing

This California-style Pinot Grigio has a rich palate that can stand alone as an aperitif yet nicely complement a wide variety of foods, from fresh Dungeness crab to roast chicken or even proscuitto and melon.