Each year I enjoy the challenge of creating our Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Grapes from six different vineyards and 17 individual lots of wine were woven together in tapestry-like fashion to form this intricate blend. Each small batch was made using customized techniques to enhance its own unique clone and adaptation to the site where it was grown. Perhaps whole clusters were added to the fermenting tank or the length of the cold soak period was extended. Barrels were then selected to amplify the fruit character and mouthfeel.
The resulting Pinot Noir reflects the personality of our region in bold style. The jeweltoned rich, ruby color portends an aroma that is revealed as fresh and appealing. Dark blue plum, red currant, hedgerow fruit and raspberry coulis come forward first. Deeper layers reveal hints of fragrant earth, warm brown spices and cocoa. In the mouth, the wine is juicy on entry, broad in the midpalate and shows smooth, firm tannins on an extended finish. Supported by good acidity, the balance of this Pinot predicts excellent ageability. - Winery
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The producer's larger-production offering, this in no way suffers from not having a vineyard designated. Instead, it shows the prowess of blending, delivering a big, bold style with elegance and grace. Tangy cranberry and orange rind wrap themselves around powerful acidity and a silky body, finishing with notes of earth and cardamom. - Wine Enthusiast Magazine 95 Points
Well-structured and built around a core of loamy, dusty earth, dark berry, herb and cedar flavors, this has much to offer and should only get better in a year. Drink now. 4,815 cases made.–JL - Wine Spectator Magazine 88 Points
Succulent black cherries, cola and sweet spices flesh out in the 2013 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley). Pliant, juicy and forward, the 2013 offers plenty of near term appeal. In my view, the oak is a bit pronounced given the wine's mid-weight structure, but that is a relatively small critique. - Antonio Galloni 87 Points
