Signorello Russian River Pinot Noir 1995
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Raymond Signorello Sr. and his son, Raymond Jr, founded Signorello Vineyards in 1985. The are producers of estate grown and produced varietals including Seta, a proprietary blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc; Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Signorello's Padrone is dedicated to Ray Signorello Sr. who passed away in 1998, a visionary whose dreams became a reality in the wines at Signorello. The grapes used for this Bordeaux blend are sourced from an extemely rocky portion of the estate vineyards yeilding a mere 1.5 tons per acre. The 1999 Padrone is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 8.5% Cabernet Franc and is fitting tribute to the life of Ray Signorello Sr. - the Padrone.
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.