95 Points - James Suckling
91 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Loads of energy here and drinking fantastic! Begs you to pour another glass.
Enjoy now and cellar as many as you can. Will age well for 8-10 years
Vineyard
Revered for its impeccable fruit, Hallberg Ranch is 100% dry-farmed vineyard set on rolling hills where Green Valley’s southern edge meets the Russian River Valley. Pommard and Clone 115, a few coveted blocks on the Southern edge.
Vintage
The culmination of factors from another drought year in California surprised everyone with a beautiful vintage. An unseasonably dry and mild winter, which led to an early spring, forced the vines into bud break during peak frost season. A relatively warm, but even summer, resulted in early harvest dates, with lower-than-average yields.
Winemaking
Fermented separately in small open-top fermenters with gentle punch-downs. Maintained at moderate temperatures until dry, basket-pressed and racked to 33% new French oak for 12 months. Select barrels include Remond, Siruge, and Taransaud. 38% Pommard and 62% 115.
Vintage: 2022
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Hallberg Ranch
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Aging: 30% new French oak for 12 months.
Brix: 22.9˚
pH: 3.53
TA: 5.5 g/L
Alcohol %: 13.2%
Dark ruby red in the glass, and good swirl on the nose offers generous aromatics of cassis, black cherry and spice. Generously oaked, with crushed blackberry, baked plums, baking spices, and Turkish fig. A supple body, gives way to red and dark fruit like plum, blueberry compote, prune, with anise and light spice on the finish.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
Exceptional
Aromas of bright oak, essence of lilac, toasted brioche and sage delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of soft melted butter, quince, fig, and a touch of lavender that titillate your taste buds. Its delightful texture is balanced by great acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish. Truly a chardonnay lovers Chardonnay.