Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the reds, there are two appellation releases. Starting with the 2018 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, it was destemmed and brought up in 50% new French oak. It would be a great introduction into Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, as it has all the classic characteristics I associated with the region: a spicy, cola, complex red-fruited bouquet, medium to full body, good freshness and purity, and a great finish. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years.
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Wine Spectator
Rich spiciness accents the dried cherry and plum tart flavors, flanked by concentrated underbrush notes. Loamy hints emerge on the fresh, focused finish, with zesty minerality. Drink now through 2024.
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.