Winemaker Notes
The Russian River Valley Pinot Noir captures the essence of this appellation as a world-class location for Pinot noir and the outstanding character of the 2019 vintage. It is a blend of several vineyards, with Wohler and Riddle vineyards comprising the core. In 2019, we included components from the famed Bucher Vineyard. Bucher provides additional layers of dark fruit, richness and depth. It adds another layer to the red fruit profiles and lush textures from Wohler and Riddle. The resulting blend offers freshness and balance with multiple layers of red and dark fruits, alongside earth and floral notes. Intriguing aromatics lead to a lush, silky texture.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The appellation Russian River Valley Pinot Noir from this team is a perennial winner, and the 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley does not disappoint. Revealing a medium ruby/purple hue as well as textbook notes of red and black fruits, forest floor, spice, and just a hint of cola, this puppy hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, subtle background oak, good mid-palate depth, and a great, great finish. I’d be thrilled to drink a bottle any time over the coming 7-8 years. It’s well worth seeking out.
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James Suckling
Aromas of redcurrants, blueberries, orange zest, chalk and nutmeg. It’s medium-bodied with silky tannins. Elegant and fresh on the palate with a fruity finish.
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Wine Spectator
Dark fruit and spice flavors show accents of chocolate brioche, followed by notes of fig paste on the finish, with ripe tannins and acidity that linger with toasty richness.
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.