Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Showing similar to last year’s tasting, the 2016 Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill is a beauty from Michael Browne that has plenty of kirsch and black cherry notes, medium to full body, a terrific floral and forest floor character, and sweet tannins. It’s opened up slightly since this time last year and should drink nicely for another 7-8 years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill is medium ruby in color and has an open nose of spiced cranberries, pomegranate, potpourri and kirsch with nuances of red berry jam, charcuterie and autumn leaves plus a hint of eucalyptus leaf. The palate is medium to full-bodied, lush and flavorful, with a pretty interplay of ripe fruits and earthy nuances. All that flavor is supported by finely grained tannins and integrated freshness, finishing long and layered. Bold, lush and delicious.
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Wine Spectator
A zesty style, with white pepper and spice notes to the raspberry and red plum flavors. The crisp finish offers flinty accents. Drink now through 2021.
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.