90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Gold Medal - Critics Challenge International
WINEMAKING
To produce authentic varietal character fruit was harvested at slightly lower sugar to enhance the red fruit flavors, acid and ageability of the wine. Cultured yeast called Assmanshausen for fermentation. This particular yeast strain ferments slowly which allows the absorption of delicate flavors and aromas. The wine was aged in just enough new oak for structure and ageability.
ESTATE VINEYARDS
Located just south of Healdsburg, Foppiano Vineyards sits on 160 acres in the acclaimed Russian River Valley. Cool morning fog and warm summer days create an ideal microclimate for grape growing. The Foppiano family has been producing world class fruit on this land since its purchase in 1896. Today, the vineyards are planted to Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc on the warmer bench lands, and Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the cooler land close to the Russian River.
COOPERAGE
16 Months – Tight grain French Oak - 35% New
Vintage: 2019
Wine Type: Red Wine
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Harvest Date: September 28, 2019
Aging: 16 Months – Tight grain French Oak - 35% New
Bottling Date: January 2021
pH: 3.65
TA: 0.58 g/100ml
Alcohol: 14.5%
93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Polished and elegantly layered Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah offers red plum and black cherry, with hints of cigar box, forest floor, bay, baking spices, light pepper and vanilla on the nose. Expressive black raspberry, sassafras and smoky pepper flavors that linger with salted dark chocolate, red plum, cherry with notes of pepper on the palate.
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This big juicy wine opens up with aromas of dark berry, black plum, dried violet and maple that leap from a glass, layered with dried herbs, tar, and smoke that follow. Blackberry and blueberry compote rule the palate, while leather, grilled herbs, dark chocolate and scorched earth lead to a long, satisfying finish. Delicious!
93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
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