Winemaker Notes
Scents of rose and fresh plum waft from the glass. On the palate, raspberry transitions to a tart, dark cherry - fresh fruit component. More concentrated and refined than the Sonoma Coast Pinot.The use of whole cluster has developed nicely to complement the deep concentration and energetic fruit. Pleasing, dry tannins- evolve into a full, rolling mouth-feel that is powerful but- not at all sweet. Culminates with more earth & leather notes on the lengthy finish. Truly a delightful, age-worthy wine.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pale ruby colored, the 2015 Pinot Noir Estate Cuvee offers up fragrant lavender, violets and potpourri notes over a core of fresh raspberries, Bing cherries and red currants with a touch of garrigue. Medium-bodied with plenty of freshness and soft, silky tannins, it delivers a great intensity of red berry layers and a perfumed finish.
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.