Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Another Russian River Valley release, the 768-case 2014 Pinot Noir Giusti Vineyard comes from river rock-laced soils that include lots of iron oxide. Almost completely destemmed, it was aged 16% in concrete and 32% in new French oak. This full-bodied, rich, unctuous and big boned beauty knocks it out of the park with its plum, violets, blackberry and ground herb-like aromas and flavors. It's not for those craving lightweight aromas and flavors, but is perfectly balanced, has ripe tannin, and a big mid-palate, all suggesting it will evolve gracefully.
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Wine Spectator
Brimming with rich, juicy wild berry and blueberry fruit, shaded by firm, dusty, hazelnut-scented tannins, this ends snug and tannic, yet the depth and persistence are evident. Drink now through 2022.
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.