doyle 2006

The Wine: 2006 doyle

1 barrel - selected as the extraordinary success story of all 2006 vintage decisions in the vineyard and in the winery

100% Pinot Noir: co-fermented Dijon clone 777 and Pommard clone 4

100% Fiddlestix Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills, Mile Marker 7.28

Fiddlestix Harvest: Sept 22-Oct 4 (3 weeks later than average)

Bottles produced: 275

The Winemaking:

Care to every vat - which yields four unique barrels - with anticipation that its destiny might be doyle. Of course, we only are convinced when we can taste the finished product, just prior to bottling. This exciting (and very tedious) tasting process confirms that a “best of vintage” barrel is truly a stand out, with less than a 1% chance of making the cut. And sometimes that single, extraordinary barrel does not present itself, and hence, no doyle.

 

The Place: Fiddlestix Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills

Ideal cool climate, farming with attention to sustainability, customized micro-farming to respond to individual block needs.

The Label: It’s about BALANCE...in our wine and in our life.

This is the only Fiddlehead label that changes every vintage and the only wine in the Fiddlehead portfolio where every bottle is numbered; added value for what we cherish as our work of art. This 2006 vintage label was created by the talented graphic artist and high school classmate of Doyle. Joseph Balistreri, from Madison, Wisconsin, remains our dear friend today. I am just so pleased to integrate his graphic art with my liquid art. Tom offers balance, poise and equilibrium to my life and I make sure it is reflected in his wine and on the label. Here, the Fiddlehead balance of spirit is expressed through the emotions of color.

Red: dramatic, bright, sexy, warm, intense, passionate, erotic, powerful and dynamic. The color of Doyle’s hair when I first met him.

Green: historically Fiddlehead, restful, soothing, tranquil, calming, environmentally friendly and offering good luck. Purely Irish like Doyle and the color of his first car.

Orange: emotionally positive, exciting, energetic, upbeat, stimulating, festive, enthusiastic, fascination, happiness and creativity. Like Doyle’s support of my Fiddlehead endeavor.

Purple: distinctly Fiddlehead, sophistication, royalty, opulence, contemporary, independence, creativity, sensual, loyalty, wisdom and spirituality. The color that seems to prevail in Doyle’s flashy lawyer ties.

Grey/black: simplicity, boldness, timeless, dramatic, classy, committed, serious, elegant, powerful, mysterious. My preferred color.

Blue: calm, serenity, tranquility, trustworthiness, peaceful, reliable, wisdom, confidence, stability and security. His favorite color.

Click here for printable notes.