Winemaker Notes
The 2022 LOLA Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of Dijon clones 115, 777, as well as a suitcase clone from Vosne-Romanée, France, brought back by Seth in 2005; all of which are planted at our Bloomfield Road Vineyard in the Russian River Valley AVA. This wine is deep garnet in color with aromas of wild strawberry, cherry, red currant, and forest floor, and accented by notes of dried tea, rose petals, cedar, and vanilla bean. On the palate, bright acidity and supple texture are accompanied by delicate tannins and a long, lingering finish.
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.