Winemaker Notes
Mays Canyon Vineyard is located in the Russian River Valley and was re-planted in 1999, though it has been a vineyard since the late 1800s. This site is unique because it is surrounded by the Russian River on 3 sides and sits at 200-400 feet in elevation on Hugo gravelly loam with some fine-grained sandstone and shale. The vineyard is farmed biodynamically and the grapes are certified organic. After harvest, the grapes are 50% whole cluster fermented before spending roughly 16 months in French oak, 20-25% new.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Striking fruit character with vibrant, attractive aromas of pomegranate and blood-orange peel, as well as light wild red cherries. The palate has such sweet, vibrant fruit and fine, crisp and lively tannin. This is approachable and has a lot of potential, too. 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.