Winemaker Notes
Elegant from start to finish, the wine offers rich aromas of bing cherry, cranberry, and orange peel. On the palate, juicy red fruit notes lead into violets, cherry cordial and blueberry compote with a long, velvety finish.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Displaying a bright red color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Reserve Russian River Valley is a pretty and floral red that’s expressive with aromas of pomegranate, pressed flowers, tangerine pith, and dried earth. It’s medium-bodied, with a fine, chalky texture and an easygoing, approachable feel. Tasted alongside the 2023, it has more transparency and is lighter on its feet.
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James Suckling
Aromas of dried strawberries, cedar and hints of mahogany and stems. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins that are well-integrated and a savory finish. A blend of high-end vineyard such as Bootlegger’s Hill and UV Laguna.
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Vinous
The 2022 Pinot Noir Reserve is very pretty and floral. Red-toned fruit, orange peel and dried flowers are some of the notes that build in the glass. This is a very good light to medium-bodied Pinot.
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.