Chalk Hill Estate Pinot Noir 2017
-
Wine
Enthusiast
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Chalk Hill Estate Pinot Noir presents aromas of wild strawberries, dark chocolate and a hint of pine forest. Supple tannins and asilky texture entice the palate with notes of sweet red berries and a touch of vanilla. Balanced acidity and a smooth, enduring finish will leave you wanting another sip.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
Bright waves of strawberry, cranberry and pomegranate make an immediate impression in this robust, full-bodied wine. Accents of forest floor and baking spice add to the mix of complex flavor and texture.
Other Vintages
2016-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker
-
Wine
Enthusiast
Perhaps no other winery captures the casual luxury of Sonoma County better than Chalk Hill Estate. Founded nearly four decades ago, this spectacular 1300-acre property features 300 acres of vineyards, wilderness areas, winery, hospitality center, culinary garden, residence, stables, equestrian pavilion, sports fields, fishing and swimming ponds, and guest houses.
The winery's vineyards are thoughtfully woven through the native foliage and contoured to fit the intricate terrain. More than two-thirds of the Chalk Hill Estate remains uncultivated. The higher elevations offer stunning views of the Russian River Valley to the west and the Mayacamas Mountains to the east.
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.