Winemaker Notes
The 2016 Michael Pozzan Pinot Noir is an eloquently feminine version of Russian River Pinot Noir. Its nose is expressive with complex floral notes (violets, jasmine), high tone, almost tropical fruit notes, and a light orange peel zest. In the mouth, the wine is textured and delicate, with bright cherry, rose petals, and an earthiness reminiscent of sarsaparilla. The soft, lengthy finish lingers with light caramel. While this wine may appear a bit shy upon first opening, it blooms with assertion after some time in the glass.
FOOD PAIRING:
Enjoy this substantial Pinot Noir with spiced lamb sausages served with herbed polenta and broiled asparagus.
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.