Winemaker Notes
Deep garnet in color with abundant aromas of dark chocolate, black cherry and blackberry pie with hints of black currant and cedar. There are layered flavors of blackberry and raspberry pie filling on the palate, accompanied by notes of cinnamon, chocolate and nutmeg. This wine is smooth and focused with refined tannins and a mouthwatering finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Beautiful, pure and focused fruit flavors distinguish this elegant, well-balanced wine. Tart cherries, black cherries, blueberries and black tea nuances seem primed for further complexity over time. A lithe structure of fruit acidity and medium tannins will carry it far. Best from 2026–2032.
Editors' Choice
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.