Winemaker Notes
Black cherry, blackberry and cigar box notes on the attack, with the intensity of the fruit notes lasting through a long, detailed finish. Impeccably balanced tannin, oak and acidity frame the beautiful flavors of this powerful yet balanced Pinot Noir.
Vegan
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Spiced cherries, earthy herbs, orange blossom, and hints of flowers all emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, a medium-bodied, supple, elegant Pinot Noir. It's not the most complex or lengthy wine out there, yet it has classic Pinot Noir character, a seamless texture, and outstanding length. I'd be happy to drink a bottle.
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Wine Spectator
A svelte red, filled with sandalwood accents to the well-knit dried cherry and raspberry flavors. Shows vanilla bean notes midpalate, with hot stone nuances lingering on the finish. Drink now
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.