DeLoach Green Valley Pinot Noir 2008

In the western hills of the Russian River Valley, the small Green Valley appellation is one of Sonoma County's coolest regions. Evening fog blankets push over from the Pacific Ocean to temper the warm summer days. These optimal conditions extend the growing season, encouraging flavor concentration in the berries while soils rich in minerals from an ancient seabed infuse the fruit with nuanced flavors.

This wine is a blend from several vineyards and Pinot noir clones, each of which contributes something unique to the finished wine. The late-ripening Ferguson Vineyard lends dark, intense fruit and tannins while the Giberti Vineyard ripens earlier in a slightly warmer area of the valley. The backbone of the blend is from the Swicegood Vineyard where the soils are reminiscent of those in Burgundy: rich in clay and calcareous. Grapes are destemmed and go through native fermentation in open-top vats with hand punchdowns. The Giberti and Ferguson lots were blended after pressing, and were aged separately from the Swicegood lots until just before bottling.

Enticingly aromatic, with notes of raspberries, black cherries, rhubarb, rose petals and a hint of cola, this wine pairs well with Alaskan salmon or other rich fish. Try it with a seared duck breast and a blackcurrant glaze!