Tasting Notes
Burgundy in color, this wine has intoxicating aromas of black fruit that softly opens up, allowing for hints of baking spices. This Russian River Pinot is rich in texture with perfectly balanced acidity and firm, bold tannins. The fruit was de-stemmed only so that whole berries were transferred to open top fermenters, to help capture bright fruit aromas and flavors. Once it hits your palate it expresses flavors of Bing cherry, plum, black currant, and savory spices. The wine finishes elegantly with lingering flavors of cherry, raspberry and cocoa powder. We're loving this!
Winemaking
The fruit was de-stemmed only so that whole berries were transferred to open top fermenters, to help capture bright fruit aromas and flavors. After 5 days of a cold soak the tanks were warmed which allowed the juice to ferment naturally. The tanks were punched down 2-3 times per day for 10 days allowing skin contact for color and flavor extraction. The wine was then drained off the skins and placed in 30% New French barrels and aged for 10 months.
Analysis
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Aging: 30% new French oak for 10 months
pH: 3.68
Alcohol: 13.9%
Production: 1500 cases
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
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