The Season
The 2010 growing season began with a very cool and wet spring. Budbreak began in the last week in March and set a very small crop of small but full clusters. Late May rains and cooler than normal summer temperatures enabled the moisture in the vineyard to support vine growth through the summer. Flavors developed slowly with the mild weather and balanced acid levels were preserved through harvest. Our proximity to the ocean and vigilant canopy management protected us from damaging late August heat spikes that affected many vineyards further inland.
The Experience
Dark ruby color. Aromas of fresh red fruits, blood orange and spicy notes of nutmeg and pepper. Vibrant plum, and cherry flavors with enticing length and a lively finish. This wine exhibits a bright acidity typical of wines crafted in the coolest coastal growing regions of California.
The Story
For over 20 years, Flowers has been devoted to and inspired by Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast with a strong commitment to purity and terroir. Since all of our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay bottlings are 100% varietal wines we do not normally have the opportunity to blend varieties. However, Perennial is a unique and captivating blend that was first introduced with the 1997 vintage and has been consistently crafted with the same dedication as our varietal wines. It is intended to challenge style and intrigue the mind. As with our inaugural vintage, in 2010 we have searched out eclectic vineyard sites closest to the California coastline to find the varieties that contribute to our targeted blend style.
Perennial is a red blend that is intended to drink a lot like a Pinot Noir with a broader fruit profile but the same balanced acidity, fresh flavors, and soft round tannins. With Pinot Noir and Syrah at its core, Perennial combines elegance and finesse with spicy depth and complexity. Pinot Meunier contributes to the blend as well as Chardonnay which marries flavors, provides a lift to the fruit and extends the finish. Each plays a supporting role bringing the blend together representing a “Flowers style” for the given vintage - every year unique. We hope you enjoy and experience the subtle differences from vintage to vintage as the blend will always be a discovery and exploration of flavor.
The Facts
Varietal Composition: 50% Pinot Noir, 42% Syrah, 6% Pinot Meunier, 2% Chardonnay
Barrel Aging: 12 months
Alcohol: 14%
pH: 3.46
In 1989, after many information-gathering trips to Napa and Sonoma, Walt and Joan purchased 321 acres, including a ridge top, high above the Pacific Ocean on the northern Sonoma Coast. With the same determination they drew on to build their successful nursery business; the Flowers proceeded with the dream of producing their favorite cool-climate varietals in a place they believed uniquely suited to growing them.
Today, Flowers Winery produces Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from its two estate properties, Camp Meeting Ridge Vineyard and Sea View Ridge Vineyard, as well as select vineyards in the coolest regions of the Sonoma Coast AVA, which are farmed to Flowers’ specifications by their own crews.
"A tightly wound hybrid of grapes that succeeds, if on a modest scale. Shows the floral, plum and cherry flavors of Pinot, with a chewy backbone of Syrah. Pinot Noir, Syrah, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2020. 3,020 cases made." –JL
| Aging Potential: | 5-10 Years, Ready to Drink |
| Alcohol By Volume: | 14% |
| Appellation: | Sonoma, California |
| Body: | Medium |
| Color: | Ruby |
| Flavor Pairing: | Barbecue, Braise, Herb Roast |
| Food Pairing: | Duck, Pork, Seafood, Steak |
| On the Nose: | Cherry, Nutmeg, Pepper, Plum |
| On the Palate: | Cherry, Floral, Plum, Spicy |
| Serving Recommendation: | Room Temperature |
| Texture: | Velvety |
| Varietal: | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah |
