Winemaker Notes
Bing cherry, wild strawberry, red plum, and raspberry aromas, as well as hints of baking spices like clove and nutmeg. The palate is characterized by a lush, round mouthfeel and vibrant, juicy red fruit flavors. The wine also features a well-balanced acidity and silky tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Densely packed and lively, this classic Pinot jumps from the glass with aromas of roasted Bing cherry, clove, cola and orange peel on the nose. The palate carries nice weight, with pomegranate, cocoa powder and floral flavors that linger across the finish. Best from 2028-2040.
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.