2017 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

HOLD
DRINK
2020-2027 OPTIMAL DRINKING WINDOW
Russian River Valley Appellation Blend
RELEASE PRICE $55 Past Release

Winemakers Notes

Notes of raspberry, dried rose petals, and black tea immediately jump from the glass. Potpourri notes combine with dried orange peel to add to the wonderful complexity on […]

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Technical Notes

TA 0.65g/100mL
pH 3.52
Alc. 14.1%
Barrel Description 43% New, 57% 1 yr.
Barrel Aged 11 months
Technical Notes PDF

Winemakers Notes

Notes of raspberry, dried rose petals, and black tea immediately jump from the glass. Potpourri notes combine with dried orange peel to add to the wonderful complexity on the nose, while wood spices and anise round out the aromatics. Flavors of black cherry and smoky herbs come through on the palate with a strong sensation of black tea and citrus peel. This 2017 offering showcases the vintage with a medium-bodied texture and a refined tannin structure, owing to the warm growing season. The grapes were able to achieve full maturity and maintain fresh fruit aromas and flavors with enough acid to frame the palate. This wine would pair well with a cedar plank king salmon with a miso glaze.

Harvest Notes

It was an auspicious start to the 2017 growing season with steady rain followed by dry spells which allowed for the soil profile to fill up progressively. The waterworks kicked into high gear in January at which point over 20 inches of rain had accumulated. That’s nearly double the historical average. 2017 was epic in many respects and at one point the Russian River waters touched Westside Road and the winery was waterfront property! As the waters receded and the soil dried up, temperatures moderated, and bud break ensued by mid-March. Steady rain through the vegetative cycle was balanced with days of brilliant sunshine which helped to grow green, healthy plants. The weather was very fine in May for the flowering period and ideal for the fruit set. As the season progressed there were periods of heat that occurred with some regularity. With plenty of water in the soil profile, the plants did not stress too much and physiological maturity continued at an accelerated pace. Due to the diversity in our vineyard sources, there is normally a natural spread in the pick dates. However, in 2017 there was compression of the harvest and many of the vineyards were ready in a short period of time. The process was nearly complete by the time the intense Labor Day heat wave hit and, thankfully, had concluded before the devastating wildfires in October. Through a Herculean effort in the vineyards and at the winery we were able to pick the grapes at the optimal time and preserve the freshness and acidity of the vintage. The consequent wines show a refinement to the tannin structure which will allow for early consumption but will age gracefully with mid-term cellaring. Through and through, the 2017 is an excellent vintage.

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Reviews & Scores

89 Points

Vinous

The 2017 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is absolutely delicious. Bold, fruity and giving, the 2017 captures the natural exuberance of the Russian River Valley in an approachable, mid-weight style that is impeccable in its balance. It is my favorite of the appellation-level Pinots in 2017. A.G.

91 Points

Wine Advocate

The 2017 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is pale to medium ruby-purple with scents of lilac and dried violet with warm blueberry, black cherry, dusty earth, Earl Grey tea leaves and warm baking spice. It's light to medium-bodied with wonderful ripe, perfumed fruits in the mouth, lifted by soft, grainy tannins and mouthwatering acidity, finishing spicy. 2,449 cases produced. Anticipated maturity: 2019 - 2025.

94 Points

Wine Enthusiast

This is such an impressive appellation-wide blend, combining several vineyard sites into a cohesive whole. Incredibly aromatic in rose and raspberry, the palate brings velvety layers of dark cherry and cinnamon, with integrated acidity keeping the balance. —V.B.

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