Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2024 Pinot Noir Widdoes Vineyard pours a bright ruby red hue and is focused on the nose with aromas of cinnamon, Bing cherries, nutmeg, potpourri, and minty forest herbs. Medium-bodied, it floats across the palate with even tannins, refreshing acidity, and elegant purity and length. While not listed on the label, it comes from within the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley. It saw 20% whole clusters and was aged 11 months in 20% new French oak. A fabulous wine that will only improve over the coming several years (although it already has a ton to offer now), at the moment, this is my favorite for its vibrancy. 2,052 bottles were produced. Drink 2026-2040.
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Vinous
The 2024 Pinot Noir Widdoes Vineyard is terrific. Bold dark fruit, lavender, cloves, menthol and pine meld together in a deep, substantial Pinot. Martini Clone Pinot in Green Valley from 45-year-old vines really shines here. What a gorgeous and distinctive wine.
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.