Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Fairly fruity at first sniff and even with a hint of brush coming up later on, this wine stays nicely on point because its distinctly red cherry fruitiness never gives in to the brush or its slight whiff of roasted coffee. Full but not heavy, picking up some youthful zest and energy in the latter palate and holding on to its fruit to the end, it will work with grilled steaks today and should age into a smoother working with brief cellaring .
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.