Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Pinot Noir opens with bright aromas of Bing cherry and raspberry. On the palate, expressions of dark plum, strawberry and dried herbs are balanced by silky tannins and a rich accent of toasted oak. A focused ?nish of bright acidity and cherry notes tie together its Russian River Valley origins.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
Made in a fleshy, opulent style, this hearty red is juicy and lively in dense black cherry and raspberry. Black tea and forest floor provide contrast around broad tannins and generous toasted oak.
-
Wine Spectator
Plush, with spicy accents to the flavors of cherry compote, red plum and dried raspberry. Notes of sandalwood show midpalate, leading to minerally details on the finish. Drink now through 2023
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.