Winemaker Notes
Chenoweth Ranch is planted to a mix of Dijon clones that deliver one of the juiciest, richest wines in Patz & Hall's single vineyard lineup. Complex aromas of cinnamon, five spice powder, dried cranberry, licorice, and damp forest floor leap from the glass. Dried lavender and aromatic cedar introduce supple, enrobed tannins that make for a full, mouth filling wine while maintaining a sleek Russian River Valley purity. The 2019 will reward patient cellar aging, though this is a vintage of immense charm which will make it hard to resist.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a ripe, tense and powerfully built wine from the great site, with a savory style that speaks to forest and black tea, with even a tease of sea spray. Lengthy and with buzzy acidity, it delivers full-bodied flavor and richness while remaining fresh throughout.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Pouring a dark but transparent red, the 2019 Pinot Noir Chenoweth Ranch is layered with aromas of sweet spices of cardamom, kirsch, and pressed roses. Elegant ripe fruit fills the palate, followed by a clean, silky texture, fine tannins, and balanced fresh acidity. Ripe with wild raspberry, baking spice, and fresh flowers, it’s long on the finish and has a graceful feel. This is a fantastic and classic wine with wonderful purity. Drink 2023-2033.
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Wine Spectator
Offers lots of sparkly energy, with mulberry, raspberry and blood orange notes leading the way, melding with incense, sassafras and red tea through the racy-edged finish. Shows nice length and refinement. Drink now through 2028. 813 cases made.
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.