Winemaker Notes
A bright, clear garnet in the glass, this vintage opens with beautiful aromas of strawberry and red cranberry, accented with notes of hibiscus and sandalwood. On the palate, the red fruit tones lengthen to fresh cherry and cranberry, joined by flavors of baking spice, chicory, and cocoa powder on the finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a powerful blend of vineyard sites across the appellation. Tart red fruit and citrus flavors are drawn out by a tense line of crushed stone on the firm palate, with accents of warm spice and white pepper lingering on the finish. Editors’ Choice
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.