Winemaker Notes
Limpid ruby color. As usual there is a ton of detail in the aromas at Hawk Hill. An overlay of reductive coffee bean comes out first, then briary red fruit, rose petal, tea leaf, citrus peel, and flint all lift readily from the glass. This site at the end of the coastal opening coming from Bodega grows remarkable fruit that changes into refined and elegant wine, who’s pleasing texture coats the palate with flavor.
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.