Winemaker Notes
This one-time moonshiner site, deep in the Sonoma Coast hills, was planted by Charlie Chenoweth to a large array of high-quality Pinot Noir selections. The nose is filled with bright cherry, Fuji apple, five spice, dried orange peel, hazelnut toffee and dark chocolate. There is a lingering note of ocean air. The mouthfeel is broad and loaded with supple tannins that are rich and full while also elegant. Cascades of fruit and spice complete this fascinating Russian River Pinot Noir.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Supple texture and undeniable tension make for a compelling combination in this beautifully crafted vineyard-designate that is full bodied and robust. Notes of dark cherry, strawberry and orange peel accent a wine of both length and underlying delicacy.
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Wine Spectator
Lively, with mulled raspberry, pomegranate and sassafras notes spiked with rooibos tea and savory notes, which lend a mouthwatering edge through the 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.