Winemaker Notes
Upon opening the vibrant aromas of rhubarb pie, cherry and black tea permeate the nose. In the mouth you will find layers of flavors including pomegranate, plum, and cinnamon. There is a hint of orange blossom and lively acidity in the lengthy finish.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Pinot Noir Zio Tony Ranch takes some time in the glass to reveal its dark, floral-laced berry fruits and accents of earth and laurel. The palate surprises, bursting with berry fruits and loads of spicy accents. It has a grainy frame and bright freshness that calls you in for another sip, and it finishes long and loaded with flavor. It's a stunner that will require another 2-3 years in bottle to show all it's got.
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.