This vintage of Cristina displays abundant red cherry-berry fruit, juicy plum and cola, plus a delicate floral note of violets. The palate is broad and full, with perfect balance between the elegant oak and the engaging fruit. The flavours seem to never end and the finish is seamless. The rich, plush tannins provide a solid structure that will help develop this long-aging wine for many years to come. Why \'Cristina\'? Named after my daughter, Cristina, this wine is a special selection of 11 barrels from a unique blend of our Pinot Noir clones that we feel best represents the terroir, or personality, of the Don Miguel Vineyard and shows the most potential for aging. The Vinification The grapes were harvested August 30 - September 3 and after minimal crushing, they fermented in small stainless steel tanks. The wine was aged in premium French oak barrels from the forest of Bertranges: 60% new from Remond and Rousseau, and 40% one-year-old. The Clones The six clones planted in the vineyard\'s 30 acres of Pinot Noir yield wines with complex layers of flavours. The blend of clones in this vintage is 55% Swan, 40% Pommard, and 5% Dijon 115.