Winemaker Notes
Reveals vibrant ruby-purple color with a delicate nose of rose petal, crushed flowers, dried cranberry, pomegranate and red plum fruits plus hints of lavender, spice, underbrush, vanilla and toast. Medium-bodied with a concentrated core of bright, mineral laced red fruits with touches of savory spice all carried and lifted by a lively acidity. Smooth and polished displaying a velvety, supple texture and fine-grained tannins on the elegant finish.
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.