Winemaker Notes
The color on the 2018 KR Ranch Pinot Noir is darker than usual, possibly the result of the vintage’s longer hang time. KR is normally a little shy on the nose at first, but the rose petal and cranberry fragrances eventually reveal themselves. The wine has plenty of acidity on the palate—the highest of all of our 2018 Russian River Pinots. Along with rich, bright fruit, the wine has an elegant mouthfeel and round tannins
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Pinot Noir KR Ranch comes from the Green Valley region of the Russian River and was brought up in 19% new French oak. Its deeper ruby color is followed by an earthy bouquet of darker currants and cherry fruits as well as notes of damp soil, spring flowers, and spice. It's beautiful on the palate and has a pure, elegant texture, silky tannins, and a great finish. It's California's answer to a terrific Côte de Nuits.
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.