Winemaker Notes
In 2017, vines leapt into action with replenished water tables after years of drought. Early vegetative growth was strong, but not excessive, and crop yields were moderate. Warmer summer temperatures ended up compressing harvest for most. The coast was relatively protected from strong heat waves and delivered typical acid-driven fruit with great phenolic ripeness.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Pinot Noir MCM88 is medium ruby-purple in color with appealing aromas of baked blueberries, warm black cherries and boysenberry with nuances of bergamot, moss-covered bark and a hint of laurel. Medium-bodied and silky, there's a good balance of earth and fruit in the mouth, and it's framed by very finely grained tannins and juicy freshness, finishing earthy. 310 cases produce
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.