Winemaker Notes
Exceptionally fresh and vibrant, this Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir is a beautiful expression of Russian River Valley fruit. Baskets of just picked black cherries adorned with garlands of roses and violets sweep you away to warm summer days in the valley. Farmer’s market strawberry preserves and cinnamon scones beckon for a longer walk. Mounds of winter citrus arranged upon a platter of wet slate lend zestiness to the palate that is framed with an essence of sweet cedar, nutmeg, and cloves.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
2018 saw cooler temperatures and a longer-than-average growing season, making for a fresh, vibrant Pinot Noir with bright red fruit and juicy black cherries on the nose. The lively acidity and nuanced layers lead to pretty violet, red and blue fruit notes and a silky finish. Its aromatics, acidity and lively tension are hallmark characteristics of Green Valley wines. The strong marine climate prevents significant daily temperature fluctuation, while the Goldridge soil is excellent for drainage, resulting in an aromatic, fruit-forward wine with substantial structure and soft tannins.
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Wine Enthusiast
Light, bright and lengthy, this delicious wine offers balanced layers of dark cherry and strawberry. The ebullient fruit is complemented by notes of black tea, forest and clove, with a supple texture contributing just enough lushness
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James Suckling
A bit reductive on the nose, so give this a moment to breath and you will be greeted with aromas of red fruit and berries, fresh herbs and a hint of vanilla. Medium-to full-bodied with soft tannins. Bright acidity with pleasantly tart red fruit. Good length and depth. Sustainable.
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Tasting Panel
The marine-influenced Hallberg Vineyard is planted in the region's iconic, well-drained Goldridge soil. Sassafras, clove, and spiced cedar make for a savory Pinot Noir with keen acidity. Dark cherry, persimmon, and red-clover tea go juicy on the midpalate, and the finish leaves a wash of minerality on the tongue.
Imagine a winemaking region just hours north of San Francisco rich in diversity and distinctive terroir, a well-kept secret tucked amongst the towering redwoods and influenced by the Pacific Ocean. Over half a century ago, pioneering growers recognized the Russian River Valley as a place that just might produce Pinot Noir that rivaled the villages of Burgundy. After decades of winemaking and selective planting, their valley has become internationally known for producing Pinot that is distinctly American and reflects the natural influences of their terroir.
Gary Farrell Winemaker, Theresa Heredia, grape growers and other winemakers within the Russian River Valley have always recognized that certain regions of the valley produced distinctly different wines. Since the 2014 Vintage, they have been monitoring whether characteristics like aroma, texture and others can be attributed to specific sections of the Valley. This deep dive into Russian River Pinot Noir has become the Neighborhoods Initiative that is also a hallmark of their Single Vineyard winemaking, and their elevated Salon experiences.
The concept of a neighborhood is truly an American idea, and is more concerned with defining the characteristics a specific cluster of vineyards produce than defining the geographical boundaries. It’s both a sense of community and terroir at the same time
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.