Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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PinotReport
Medium-deep ruby color; deep, earthy cherry aromas with oak notes; rich, complex red cherry flavors with spice notes; some oak and tannin; good structure and balance; long finish. Big, forward Pinot with nice structure.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2013 Pinot Noir Parson’s Vineyard, from clones 115, 777, Pommard and a handful of others, offers forward, supple, rather flamboyant red and black fruits, spring flowers and forest floor. It is rich, nicely textured and the luscious, sexy style of Pinot Noir that Adam Lee does so well.
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Wine Enthusiast
Nutmeg, allspice and chestnuts provide a warmth and sense of hearth to this robust, full-bodied wine, from a special site in the heart of Santa Rosa. Candied cherry dominates on the palate, the wine bright yet sultry, with a healthy, generous body and length.
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Wine Spectator
This features a tight, vibrant core of snappy, zesty wild berry, black cherry, licorice and anise flavors that is pure, focused, persistent and lingering.
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.