Winemaker Notes
Crafted from up to 40 individual small lots, our Russian River Valley Pinot Noir offers a classic example of this renowned region. Opening with rich, flavorful notes of dark cherry, plum and ripe raspberry, while hints of earth, cocoa and clove add depth and nuance to the smooth, layered palate. Elegant and balanced, soft tannins and lightly toasted oak give nice weight and structure to the wine.
Pair this food -friendly wine alongside pork tenderloin stuffed with rosemary and spiced apple, topped with a plum reduction sauce. For a cheese pairing, try goat cheese with spiced cherry compote.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A round and juicy pinot with plums, cherries and sliced oranges. Full-bodied with bright acidity and lots of flavor. Energetic finish. Lots going on. Drink or hold.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley offers an attractive, satisfying, medium to full-bodied, fruit-loaded style as well as ample red and blackberry fruits, notes of spice and hints of cola, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Drink this fruit-froward, textured 2019 any time over the coming 3-4 years.
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Wine Spectator
Offers fine-grained dried red berry and cherry flavors that are redolent of underbrush and forest floor. The juicy finish is enveloped by rich cooking spice notes and creaminess. Drink now
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.