Winemaker Notes
The 2018 Russian River Pinot is deep ruby in color, with aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and a hint of cedar. On the palate is classic Russian River Valley cola, with fresh plum` and a touch of vanilla. Rich and round yet not lacking in structure, with a long, silky finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This has a beautiful nose of ripe and dried strawberries, cloves, vanilla, geraniums and wet leaves. It’s medium-bodied with silky tannins. Creamy and elegant with a vibrant core of red fruit. Rich, yet solid. Keeps going. Drink or hold.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a monstrously structured, powerful and generous wine from the appellation. Thick waves of black cherry and strawberry present as velvety smooth on the palate, accented in black tea, cardamom and a wash of toasted oak.
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.