Husch 2008 Pinot Noir Alexander Valley

Husch Vineyards

The 2008 Pinot Noir has a nice fragrant nose rich with ripe cherry, cassis, rhubarb, flit, tobacco and forest floor. Cassis, cherry, pencil shaving, tobacco, and toasty French oak play synergistically on the palate with a vibrant acidity which contributes to its lively mouth feel. This wine will pair well with grilled vegetables, mushroom risotto, venison, and of course the piece de resistance; riple cream cheeses such as Mt. Tam or Brie.

The 2008 vintage was not as easy one for growers and winemakers alike throughout the state of California. Late frost, strong winds during bloom and wildfires played a significant role in shaping this vintage's wines. Yet despite the obstacles, Husch harvested the grapes and crafted the wine as we traditionally have: the grapes are hand-picked, the juice is fermented in small open-top fermenters, and we age the wine a full 10 months in French Oak (25% new).

Wine Enthusiast
This is a wonderful Pinot Noir to drink now for its dry crispness, silky elegance, and pleasant cherry, currant, Dr. Pepper and teriyaki beef flavors. Polished and supple, and easy to find, with nearly 38,000 cases produced. S.H. (12/15/2010) 87

2008 Pinot Noir
GOLD MEDAL Critics Challenge Intl Wine Comp

Type	Red
Varietal	Pinot Noir
Vintage	2008
Bottle size	750mL
Alcohol content	14.5%
Appellation	California North Coast - Anderson Valley
Wine Advocate	--
Wine Enthusiast	87
Wine Spectator	--
Other	n/a

Husch Vineyards
Husch Vineyards planted the first pinot noir vines in the Anderson Valley, over 38 years ago. Those vines along with 16 other distinct plantings come together to showcase the 2008 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. These vineyards benefit from the cool night air and morning fog that make the Anderson Valley a premier appellation for growing pinot noir.

Founded in 1971, Husch is the oldest winery in the picturesque Anderson Valley. The vineyards are comprised of some of the earliest varietal plantings on the valley floor. In 1968, Tony and Gretchen Husch bought the 60-acre Nunn ranch between Philo and

Navarro on Highway 128. The land was well known for growing apples and grains. They soon planted eight acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gewurztraminer grapes on the cool slopes of the property. The plantings sweep down towards the pristine Navarro River. The first official crush was in the fall of 1971.

In 1979, Hugo Oswald Jr. bought the 6,000 case Husch Winery from the Husch family. The Oswald family had been growing pears in the Santa Clara Valley, but when the area was expanding they sold the land and headed for the southern tip of Mendocino County. Today Husch Vineyards remains owned and operated by the 3rd Generation of the Oswald family: Zac Robinson and Amanda Robinson Holstine. Winemaking is under the direction of Brad Holstine. Al White, in charge of all viticulture operations, has been with Husch since 1973. Through the years Husch has modernized and expanded, but it has never lost its initial rustic charm or reputation for great wines.