2012 Vincent Vin Gris

Since 1989, Saintsbury has made Vin Gris of Pinot Noir in a dry
style. It was one of very few dry rosé wines from California in those
early days and honored the “saignée” method, meaning the juice was
bled from Pinot Noir tanks before the fermentation began. Today,
in the continual refinement of our style, we have increased the use of
lots of whole cluster press in relation to saignée. In doing so, we have
created a rosé lighter in color, providing a tense balance of austere
structure and delicate floral aromas.

The 2012 harvest was a bountiful one – and we took full advantage.
Whole clusters of pinot noir from our Home Ranch were
hand-picked at night, sorted and taken direct to press. The juice was
pale in color but ethereal in aroma. The saignée components of the
2012 blend added depth in the mid-palate. These lots came from our
most esteemed vineyards: Stanly Ranch and our estate vineyard,
Brown Ranch.

The 2012 Vin Gris has the delicate, pale terra cotta color associated
with classic rosé wines of Burgundy. The aromas and flavors are both
subtle and more complex than years past with a range of pear, stone
fruits, wild strawberry and blood orange. The bright and structured
acidity balanced with a spectrum of aromas and flavors allows this
wine to be paired with ceviche, fish tacos, seafood ravioli, roast
chicken, fresh scallops on the grill and summer salads.