Angeline Russian River Pinot Noir 2018
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James
Suckling
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Angeline Pinot Noir is made from premium Russian River Valley vineyards. Coastal influences produce this classic, velvety Pinot Noir with intense fruit aromas, balanced acidity and fresh ripe berry flavors.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of plums, strawberries and hints of toasted oak and smoke. Medium to full body, creamy tannins and an attractive, bitter, smoky finish. Some citrus, too.
Other Vintages
2020-
James
Suckling
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James
Suckling -
Jeb
Dunnuck
Courtney Benham founded Angeline in 1990, in the heart of Sonoma County. Made in the Russian River Valley at Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery, Angeline’s philosophy has been steadfast from the start –make wine that is a true expression of its varietal.Sourcingfruit from premium vineyards throughout California, Angelineis focusedon thefundamentalsof wine: intentional farming and idyllic conditions. With minimal intervention from the winemaking team, AngelineVineyardsemphasizes the characteristics of each varietal, letting the fruit speak.In essence, AngelinePinot Noir tastes like Pinot Noir –bright, focused, and clean.By highlighting the unique qualities of each varietal, Angeline resonates with those that appreciate the simplicity of good winemaking. But most importantly, Angeline is a wine we want to drink. From a white tablecloth to a picnic blanket, a cheese plate, or a cheeseburger, Angeline has range.
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.