Winemaker Notes
The Karmen Isabella Pinot Noir captures the best of vineyards from which Dutton sources. The nose entices with bright red fruit notes and elegant floral aromas. On the palate, the wine is smooth with a lingering finish, balancing delicate tannins and acidity, reminiscent of classic Burgundian Pinot Noir. Flavors evolve into deeper, juicy fruits like raspberry and cherry.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
Aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, dried herbs, bitter chocolate and spices. The palate is medium-bodied with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity that lead to a plush 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.