Winemaker Notes
Brilliant crimson in color, Raeburn Russian River Valley Pinot Noir leads with pleasing aromas of baking spice and vanilla. The palate is marked with stunning fruit flavors of lush wild blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry with undertones of roasted hazelnut. The finish is graceful and sophisticated.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Despite the wildfires in Northern California that impacted this vintage, the Raeburn winemaking team was able to deliver a fresh and fruity red. Aged 11 months in (25% new) French oak, it begins with aromas of raspberry and rose petal. Delicate flavors of salted strawberry usher in a silky mouthfeel as well as an accent of herbes de Provence. Feather-light on the palate, with intricate, lacy notes of dried flowers and white pepper preceding a finish of oak and hazelnut.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2020 Raeburn Pinot Noir is stylish and fresh on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine delivers bright red fruit aromas and flavors. Enjoy it with grilled salmon fillets. (Tasted: September 1, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
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.