Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Seductive and velvety, this concentrated Pinot Noir is richly layered in raspberry cherry cordial, cardamom and cola flavors. Pine and allspice notes contribute a homey spiciness as as the fullness of the wine lingers into a long finish.
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James Suckling
Plenty of forest flower and crushed berry aromas with hints of spice. Medium to full body, round tannins with a juicy finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2014 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley has expressive aromas of crushed red cherries, mulberries and black raspberries with touches of cinnamon stick, lavender, cloves and forest floor. Full-bodied with plenty of poise and finesse, the vibrant fruit layers are seamlessly matched by silky tannins and lively acidity, finishing long with the earthy nuances coming through.
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Wine Spectator
Presents an authoritative core of rich, earth- and licorice-laced blackberry and wild berry jam flavors, pushing ripeness in a pleasing manner. The size gives this a weighty presence, so short-term cellaring is recommended. Drink now through 2023.
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.