In the Russian River Valley, the "top shelf" usually starts at $75 and climbs quickly into the triple digits. Everything about this wine fits that "blue-chip" profile—except for today's price.
To craft this 2023, Bricoleur brought in the big guns. Bob Cabral joined the team to bring his "sixth sense" for expressive sites to this estate. The result is a wine with that iconic, fruit-forward Russian River elegance with soaring aromatics of Bing cherry, raspberry, cedar spice and beautifully integrated French oak that supports, rather than masks the pristine fruit.
The Pedigree: An Elite Vineyard Neighborhood
Sourced from a premier Windsor estate that formerly supplied fruit to icons like Paul Hobbs and Merry Edwards, this Pinot sits in the literal shadows of Williams-Selyem and Kistler.
The Craft: The Master's Signature
Under the guidance of Bob Cabral and Associate Winemaker Tom Pierson, this vintage utilizes sur lie aging to prioritize a silky texture and soaring floral aromatics.
The Vibe: Sophisticated Sonoma Freshness
This is "sunlight in a glass"—trading heavy extraction for a vibrant, energetic profile of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice that feels like a high-end afternoon in the Russian River Valley.
The Final Verdict: A Rare Market Anomaly
Securing a 96-point vintage from a $65 tasting-room exclusive for just $39 is a mechanical anomaly, offering elite "blue-chip" pedigree without the triple-digit price tag.
Food Parings
The wine's freshness and woven tannins make it incredibly versatile. Try it with:
Winemaker & Technical Notes
The winemaking for this 2023 Pinot Noir represents a powerful generational bridge between Sonoma legend Bob Cabral and rising star Tom Pierson. Cabral—the visionary who achieved the first 100-point North American Pinot Noir during his 17-year tenure at Williams-Selyem—collaborated on every critical decision, from precise vineyard sourcing to the final blend.
Winemakers: Bob Cabral & Tom Pierson
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Bricoleur Vineyards, Charles Heintz & Tina Marie
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Harvest Date: September 20, 2023 & October 10, 2023
Bottling Date: July 29, 2024
Release Date: October 1, 2025
Aging: 10 months in French Oak (35% New, 25% Once-Used, 40% Neutral)
Cellar Potential: Peak drinking window between 2026 and 2033
Alcohol: 14.4%
Vintage Report: "Vintners who waited into late October made stunning wines... gorgeous aromas with underlying succulence." — 96 Points, Wine Spectator
Allocations of Bricoleur rarely leave the winery—especially at the best price in the country. Secure your 4-bottle stash for FREE shipping before the cellar door closes.
Download Full Technical Sheet & Cellar Notes
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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.
Inky, plush, cellar-worthy
The nose is an aromatic riot—a decadent mashup of blackberry, black cherry, and plum swirled with whimsical notes of red licorice, vanilla, and cocoa. A savory dust of spice, cedar, and a gentle kiss of oak adds a sophisticated edge to this fruit-forward powerhouse.
96 Points
Bold and luxurious with inviting aromas of blackberry, black cherry, tobacco, notes of cedar and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather.
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.
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.
95 Points
A powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it's enticing and fragrant, bursting with fresh blueberries, blackberry tart, cedar, black olives, and hints of spicebox. Its palate provides big, round chewy tannins, sweet ripe black cherries, blackberry cordial, Bourbon-soaked maraschino cherries, maple roasted walnuts, and a touch of vanilla.
Chewy & Ripe
Dark purplish-black with aromas of ripe black plums, bacon, blackberry jam, and black tea. Dense, chewy and ripe across the palate with a nice mid-palate texture and weight. Rich, structured, and complex, with a long evolving finish.
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This opulent wine opens with aromas of blackberry, black plum, violets and spice on the nose. Flavors on the palate of dark cherry, sarsaparilla and orange zest wrap around dried tobacco leaf, malt chocolate and toasted vanilla, with a long, supple 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.
93 Points
Depth, balance and big flavors. The nose evokes black cherry pie, licorice, plums, vanilla, and notes of chocolate. On the palate, it bursts with cassis, red currants, toasted walnuts, and chocolate. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
