Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Sporting aromas of black cherries, sweet oak, hints of caramel and toast, and this wine practically demands that you take a big sip without further ado. It is surprisingly dark in color yet does not drift into the weighty, tannic style that its coloring might suggest and, instead, keys on deep, ripe, nicely mannered flavors carried by a supple, plush, almost "posh" sense of richness that furthers the notion that early drinking is entirely appropriate. And, it will age a bit if you put some away.
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Wine Spectator
Aromas of cola, dried currant and blueberry, sage and fresh earth give this a complex mix of flavors. Delicate and balanced, with subtle flavor nuances that are sharply focused on the finish. Drink now through 2011. 3,028 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.