Semper Gold Ridge Pinot Noir 2007
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An extraordinary wine. It’s the essence of Russian River Pinot, squared, a big, concentrated, dramatic wine that never loses sight of elegance. Offers a tapestry of cherry pie with the crust, red currant, cherry liqueur and smoky sandalwood flavors that finish with intricate Indian spices. Drink now through 2013.
Tuck and his family moved to the Napa Valley in 1975 to begin their involvement in the California Grape Growing business. His love of the farming and wine making process began almost immediately as a young boy. As a teenager, Mr. Beckstoffer worked in the vineyards of Napa and Mendocino Counties alongside field crews and operating equipment in Beckstoffer owned and managed vineyards. During college, he spent his summers working in the soon to be famous wineries of the Napa Valley alongside some of the most influential winemakers in California, learning winemaking techniques and sensory evaluation. After University, Tuck returned to Napa to work for Beckstoffer Vineyards.
In 1997 he began producing a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon under the Tuck Beckstoffer label that quickly became one of the most critically acclaimed wines to come out of the Napa Valley. In 2004, Tuck created Tuck Beckstoffer Wines. He and his family’s farming legacy, combined with his personal knowledge and experience in the vineyard and cellar supports his commitment to produce these creative, exquisite wines.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.