Winemaker Notes
A true representative of the stunning Russian River Valley appellation, this Pinot Noir opens with vibrant aromas of succulent red cherries and rose petals with swirl of brown baking spices and a touch of cedar. The broad, medium-bodied palate delivers more ripe red fruits, blood orange, and some savory earth notes, all supported by zesty acidity and fine tannins into the long, spicy finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Focused aromas of black cherry, blackberry and cola waft on the nose of this Pinot. The palate brings bright fresh cherry, spice mélange and flowers with orange peel acidity and echoes of cedar, roses and plum through the 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.