Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2014 Syrah/Grenache blend (67% Syrah and 33% Grenache) is also aged the same amount of time in neutral oak, but production is slightly larger at 580 cases. This wine has a Mediterranean personality. Notes of lavender, ground pepper, blackcurrants, black cherries, raw meat and smoked game are all present in this full-bodied, richly fruity, Rhône-like wine. It has light tannins, loads of fruit, a voluptuous mouthfeel and should drink well for the next 5-6 years. Alcohol here is relatively moderate at 14.4%.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
A standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.