Winemaker Notes
Earl Stephens planted his vineyard in 1997, transitioning from growing apples to grapes. The vineyard is located in Green Valley, about eight miles inland from the Pacific, in the northern end of Green Valley and the southwest portion of the Russian River Valley.
The vineyard has four different clones of grapes, Dijon 115, 667, 777, and Pomard 4, which contribute to the diversity of the grapes grown in the vineyard. The land has three different types of soil, Gold Ridge, Franciscan, and riparian, with three different exposures, northwest, southwest and western. The different elevations, exposures, and soil types contribute to the diversity of the grapes, giving them different tastes, which results in a complex and interesting wine.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The 2022 Domaine Della Earl Stevens Vineyard Pinot Noir is long-lasting on the palate. This wine shows aromas and flavors of intense spice box, hints of chalk, and garden herbs. Try it with Thai Lamb Laarb. (Tasted: October 12, 2024, San Francisco, CA)
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Jeb Dunnuck
A similar youthful ruby red color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Earl Stephens Vineyard is more lifted in the glass, with notes of bright spices, red cherries, beet root, and mint. Medium-bodied, it has more tension through the palate, with bright acidity, a mouthwatering feel, and fine tannins, as well as a lovely orange citrus-noted finish.
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Wine Spectator
Ripe cherry, raspberry and kirsch notes form the core, which stays focused and energetic thanks to a spine of acidity running underneath. Singed apple wood and red licorice accents frame the finish as the fruit ripples on.
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James Suckling
Well-crafted, succulent and refined, with notes of wild strawberries, crushed raspberries, dried herbs, forest floor and some mild spices. It’s medium-bodied with finely grained tannins and vivid acidity. Vibrant and focused with harmony and poise. Seductive finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of deep and rich raspberry jam swirl on the nose of this Russian River Pinot. The softly textured palate displays a balance between bright cherry-berry fruit and dark, savory cinnamon spice before a finish that dances between grippy tannins and lively acidity.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Pinot Noir Earl Stephens Vineyard is bursting with wild berry aromas and accents of dried herbs and nutmeg. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated with ripe fruit and citrusy tones. It has a soft, plush texture, mouthwatering acidity and a long, fragrant 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.