Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Connoisseurs' Guide
If at first a bit lighter and hinting of fresh raspberries, cherries and candied violets in the nose, this lovely Pinot proves to be surprisingly juicy and energetically fruity in flavor with lots of depth and a real sense of grace. Its subtle oak is wholly obeisant to fruit, and it is both rich and very lively. It is a fine and vibrant expression of what Russian River Valley Pinot can be, and it affords both delicious drinking now and potential for four or five years of growth.
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Wine Spectator
Well-built, ripe and layered, with rich plum, wild berry and black cherry fruit that firms nicely midpalate, with touches of herb and cedar. Finishes with a strong medley of berries and tannins. 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.