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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Wine Enthusiast
Fresh and forested, this wine has tannin weight and spice to match and complement buzzy acidity and ongoing freshness in the glass. With 35% new French oak, it allows the pomegranate-tangy fruit and Asian spice to take turns speaking.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Pinot Noir Estate Cuvée includes about one-third whole cluster fruit and aged for 14 months in 26% new French oak. It has a pale to medium ruby-purple color and nose of crushed black cherry, charcuterie and warm black plum with nuances of cinnamon stick and warm spice plus a stony character—delightfully broody. Light to medium-bodied with a good core of warm spiced fruits in the mouth, it has a fine frame of grainy tannins and great freshness to lift the long finish. Rating: 90+
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.