Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Candied Bing cherry and fresh hibiscus aromas make this an immediately likable bottling by Jim Nantz and his team, while the star anise, gingerbread and sweet herb aromas add complexity. The palate is lively and fresh with more red fruit and flowers as well as cinnamon and wild chaparral spices, leading into a eucalyptus-oil-kissed finish.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The Calling Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2018 is delicious and charming. TASTING NOTES: This wine brings aromas and flavors of boysenberries and delicate black fruits to the fore. Serve it with grilled lamb infused with fresh-picked rosemary, smashed garlic cloves, and cracked whole peppercorns. (Tasted: February 15, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
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.