Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This stunning, spectacular wine from a fantastic vintage is memorable in every way. Generous black cherry, cola and dusty Asian spice dance around a structured complex richness of length and breadth, the texture silky, sophisticated and floral. Fresh acidity abounds and gives contrasting crispness to the looming brooding earthiness.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Aged 16 months in 45% new French oak, the pale to medium ruby colored 2016 Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill gives up loads of violet and lilac perfume with crushed black cherries, cranberry sauce, macerated strawberries and forest floor plus accents of tobacco leaf and woodsmoke. It's medium-bodied with broody, spicy character in the mouth, refreshed by juicy acidity and framed by grainy tannins, finishing long. 1,125 cases produced.
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.