Winemaker Notes
Signature Pinot Noir is a vineyard-driven wine sourced since 2003 from a small, unique parcel in one of the most cherished micro-regions in the Russian River Valley. Ideally suited for Pinot Noir, the predominant soil type is Goldridge, derived from an ancient inland sea that slowly emptied into the Pacific Ocean. Its excellent drainage and low soil fertility allow us to create a balanced vineyard ecosystem yielding exceptional, high-quality fruit without irrigation. The vineyard’s gently sloping southeastern exposure combined with 35+ year vine age yield poised, complex and age-worthy wines.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
A soft and easy-drinking Russian River Pinot Noir from a vineyard that's been a fruit source for Darioush since 2003. Winemaker Hope Goldie crafted a bright rendition in 2021, leading with bing cherry, farmer's market ripe strawberry, and sweet spices from ageing 15 months in 65% new Burgundy barrels. Medium-bodied on the palate with creamy red berry fruit laced with vanilla, tangy blood orange acidity, and a finish marked with sage, dried violets, and conifer with hints of cocoa powder.
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Wine Enthusiast
This elegant, fruity but also nicely spiced wine layers together raspberries, red cherries and orange-pekoe tea flavors that are judiciously accented with cinnamon and cedar from oak barrel aging. Well balanced and silky on the palate.
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.