Martin Ray
2021 Pinot Noir
, Hallberg Ranch
Russian River Valley

95 Points - James Suckling

Opens with wild cherry cordial and fresh pomegranate layered with notes of baking spice and zest.  Subtle touches of pink peppercorn lemon balm and sarsparilla carry through a savory palate.  It's balanced, with silky layers and a juicy red core.
This is quintessential cool-climate Russian River Valley Pinot, and embodies bright, high-toned fruit, a generous round body and silky refined tannins.  Just delicious!

Enjoy now or cellar as many as you can.

VINEYARDS

Revered for its impeccable fruit, Hallberg Ranch is 100% dry-farmed vineyard set on rolling hills of the southern edge of the Green Valley in the heart of the Russian River Valley. We source from a few blocks designated to the Cruz Clone and Clone 828 on the far northern edge of the ranch as well as Pommard and Clone 115 on the Southern edge.

VINTAGE NOTES

The culmination of factors from another drought year in California surprised us 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 NOTES

Fermented separately in small open-top fermenters with gentle punch-downs. Maintained at moderate temperatures until dry, basket-pressed, and racked to 30% new French oak for 12 months.

Vintage:  2021
Varietal Composition:  100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard:  Hallberg Ranch
Appellation:  Russian River Valley
Aging:  30% new French oak for 12 months.
Brix:  24.3˚
pH: 3.47
TA: 5.7 g/L
Alcohol %:  14.3%

Tasting Notes  PDF

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