Winemaker Notes
Shockingly low yields are essential to achieving proper ripeness in this very cool vineyard. Complex and inviting aromas of caramel candy/toffee, cardamom and licorice spice fold into dried strawberry, red cherry and mocha notes. The 2017 bottling shows richer texture and riper fruit than some years yet retains the savory notes of forest floor and lavender/rosemary that is typical of this vineyard.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Earthy forest and buzzy acidity open this wine on the nose and palate, easing into a broad texture of velvety richness and brooding tannin. Black tea, cherry and a touch of cola combine around the savory undertones and lasting freshness.
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.