Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
This remarkably complex and sophisticated effort is generous, layered and seductive, filled with rich, focused blueberry, wild berry and blackberry fruit. The finish features spicy black tea notes. Drink now through 2020.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The potentially outstanding 2009 Pinot Noir Winemaker’s Block from the Russian River is a limited production cuvee of only 300 cases. Its dark ruby/purple hue is followed by notes of black raspberries, spring flowers and forest floor. Surprisingly deep, opulent, fleshy, pure and long, it should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 5-7 years.
89-91
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.