Winemaker Notes
Alluring scents of lavender and deep dark berry, exotic, rich flavors that mirror aromas but are enriched by accents of sandalwood, clove and black pepper. Wonderfully integrated tannins complement its structure which is mouth-filling and firm. The incredibly appealing finish is balanced, refreshing, succulent and long. A great cellaring candidate and arguably the finest Russian River Selection Pinot Noir produced to date by Alysian.
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.