Winemaker Notes
Aromatics of cherries, raspberries, ripe strawberries, and caramelized brown sugar are layered with earthy nuances and a hint of subtle black tea leaf. On the palate, plush red fruits and red plum are complemented by a rich viscosity and lingering notes of vanilla bean and baking spices
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Cherries basted in brown sugar and cassis-soaked beets are just some of the elements to be found in this layered, distinguished red. A suede-soft mouthfeel intersects with spiced sandalwood on the 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.