Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is marked by complex aromas of ripe black cherry, cola and violets. On the palate, it reveals a rich, creamy texture with layered flavors that unfold gracefully. Fresh, balanced acidity lifts the wine, providing a vibrant counterpoint to its depth. The finish is long, smooth and elegant, showcasing the care taken in both vineyard and cellar. A wine of exceptional quality and refinement, this Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley is a perfect reflection of the season’s cool conditions and meticulous harvest. Ready to enjoy now, it will continue to evolve and impress over time.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Savory and spicy aromas of ripe wild strawberries and dark cherries precede a lovely medium-bodied palate whose silky texture provides ballast for blood oranges, mixed berries, almond cake and dried flowers. Perky acidity and scrubby herbs add further detail. Drink or hold.
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Decanter
Ripe raspberry and cherry fruit is laced with vanilla and fresh cedarwood. Medium-bodied, it offers darker cherry and blackberry fruit on the mid-palate, accented by brown baking spices. The tannins are plush, the fruit velvety, and the finish long and layered with rose petals and violets. Vineyard sources include: Last Stop Twomey’s ‘Last Stop’ estate in Russian River’s Green Valley sub-appellation where heritage Calera, Mt. Eden, Swan, and Burgundy Dijon clones are planted, also Lakeview, Pratt, Bailey, Pinot Hill, and Castro. With 3% whole cluster during ferments, the wine aged 10 months in 25% new French oak.
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.