Winemaker Notes
This wine has with aromas of plum skin, black cherry, oil linen cloth and a hint of the Pommard freshly tilled earth. The plum skin and red berry are a perfect counterpoint for the earthly aromas. You'll find the same tension in the flavors of rich spicy red berries, toasted oak and a hint of forest floor, think pine needles and mushroom. All framed by firm acid providing length and excitement on the palate. The RRV Pinot Noir will continue to improve for years to come.
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.