La Follette Heintz Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018
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The wine is light ruby in color which fades to a very light brick red with just a tinge of orange. The nose is a bit shy with notes of cinnamon, rosemary and cardamom on top of bing cherry, dried orange rind and red apple skin. On the palate the Bing cherry and red apple skin remain along with pomegranate, white and black pepper, baking spices and the feeling of dried fall leaves. Overall, the wine is layered with non-fruit flavors which speak more of the old world than the new. Delicate and contemplative up front, but with power that comes through on the finish that begs for turkey gravy and cranberry sauce.
Other Vintages
2019-
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wilfred
Wong
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.