Pinot Noir, Haynes Vineyard, 2003

The 2003 Haynes Vineyard Pinot Noir has great structure and natural acidity and the old-vine "heritage" budwood selection at Haynes has given us a wine of surreal silken elegance. As is usual with Westwood's Haynes wines, this was the slowest of our three Pinots to develop in bottle. At release it is still a bit gangly and disjointed, but we know that the Haynes Pinot comes together with the capability for long aging. We expect our 2003 Haynes to be among the longest-lived in our long experience with this extraordinary vineyard. Winemaker's Tasting notes: Medium-dark ruby color with excellent clarity. Aromas of cola, black cherry, eucalyptus, lemon flower, flint, Christmas spice and new Bally loafers. Subtle and youthful on the palate, with fresh plum and cherry flavors and a silken texture that starts at the front of the tongue and continues undistrubed and unswervingly through the long aftertaste. Surprisingly, the textures are well resolved and it is the flavors that seem a bit disjointed in this unique wine.