Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Wild strawberries in soil perfume the glass before appearing on the robust and generous yet well-balanced palate. Notes of black cherry and coffee pave the way for a long, toasty, mocha-kissed finish.
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Wine Spectator
A streamlined version, with a pure beam of cherry and blood orange coulis zipping through, flecked with red tea and savory hints. Offers a light mineral echo through the finish. Drink now through 2030. 10,000 cases made.
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.