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.
A standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
