Tasting Notes
Burgundy in color, this wine has intoxicating aromas of black fruit that softly opens up, allowing for hints of baking spices. This Russian River Pinot is rich in texture with perfectly balanced acidity and firm, bold tannins. The fruit was de-stemmed only so that whole berries were transferred to open top fermenters, to help capture bright fruit aromas and flavors. Once it hits your palate it expresses flavors of Bing cherry, plum, black currant, and savory spices. The wine finishes elegantly with lingering flavors of cherry, raspberry and cocoa powder. We're loving this!
Winemaking
The fruit was de-stemmed only so that whole berries were transferred to open top fermenters, to help capture bright fruit aromas and flavors. After 5 days of a cold soak the tanks were warmed which allowed the juice to ferment naturally. The tanks were punched down 2-3 times per day for 10 days allowing skin contact for color and flavor extraction. The wine was then drained off the skins and placed in 30% New French barrels and aged for 10 months.
Analysis
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Aging: 30% new French oak for 10 months
pH: 3.68
Alcohol: 13.9%
Production: 1500 cases
92 Points
Aromas of blackberry, dried fig, black cherry, blackberry coulis, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cigar box. The palate offers rich and velvety tannins, dark chocolate-covered cherries, black plum, mixed berry pie and toasted walnut. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
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.
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