Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2014 Pinot Noir Ryan Widdoes Vineyard has a rather subdued, earthy nose of fungi and fallen leaves over red and black cherries and a waft of lavender. The medium to full-bodied palate is built like a brick house with a solid frame of grainy tannins and lively acid holding the muscular fruit together beautifully, and texturing the long, earthy finish. It needs another 1-2 years in bottle and should cellar for 12+ years thereafter.
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Wine Spectator
Begins with a surge of vibrant, racy wild berry, cherry and blueberry flavors, made lively by gripping tannins and refreshing acidity. Tightens on the finish. Best from 2018 through 2024. 840 cases made.
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.