Winemaker Notes
This wine is a deep, rich ruby-purple hue. As a true classic Russian River Pinot Noir the wine expresses aromas of very fragrant exotic spice and intense blackberry fruit. As you smell the wine in your glass, you will find hints of sweet vanilla that the oak barrel aging adds to the wine's complexity. An elegant structure with silky tannins adds to the intensity of the spices and red berry flavors. Long a favorite of Pinot Noir wine lovers, this vintage will be appreciated for its balanced acidity, juicy core and a long finish.
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.