Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2020 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge Vineyard was originally scheduled to be picked the night of August 17, but the pick was canceled due to the lightning storm that started hundreds of wildfires across California. Instead, it was harvested the following evening, August 18, before smoke began to threaten vineyards in Sonoma. The fortuitous timing resulted in this wine, offering singular expression, power and definition. Medium ruby-purple in color, it has layered scents of crushed cherries, blood orange, lilac and sage with botanical undertones. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated and silky, with seamless acidity that highlights its spicy accents and a very long, layered finish. Wow!
-
James Suckling
Aromas of ripe red fruit, cured meat and a hint of wet stone. Medium-bodied with gentle tannins. Delicate, but there is good presence and depth here. The mineral backbone really helps to keep the palate going. Slightly more savory towards the finish. Very satisfying. Spicy. Drink or hold.
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.