Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2017 Pinot Noir Little Hill comes from the Russian River and was 90% destemmed and aged 15 months in French oak (the percentage new wasn’t specified). It's similar ruby translucent colored and has rocking notes of black cherries, mulberries, crushed violets, rose petals, and damp earth. Incredibly pure, finesse-driven yet still powerful and intense, this is a remarkable Pinot Noir that will benefit from short term cellaring and keep for 10-15 years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Pinot Noir Little Hill is pale to medium ruby in the glass. The nose is scented of tangerine peel and Earl Grey tea leaves, crushed stone, raspberry and strawberry jam and crushed red cherries with classic notions of smoke and cola. Light to medium-bodied, it's intensely fruited with swirls of amaro and tea spice, a firm frame of very ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and flavorful.
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Wine Spectator
Pure and minerally, with concentrated cherry, plum and raspberry flavors that are supported by fresh acidity and medium-grained tannins. Floral and violet notes show on the long, delicate finish, revealing hints of cedar and sandalwood. Drink now through 2025. 441 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.