94 Points - James Suckling
Savory balance, silky layers and focused acidity.
Drink now or hold on to as many bottles as you can. You will be rewarded.
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
From start to finish, 2018 was a very steady season, offering weather that was reminiscent of years prior to drought. Higher than average yields and excellent quality brought about a fruitful harvest beginning in late August.
WINEMAKING NOTES
Fermented separately in small open-top fermenters with gentle punch-downs. Maintained at moderate temperatures until dry, basket-pressed, and racked to 50% new French oak for 12 months.
Vintage: 2018
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Hallberg Ranch
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Aging: 50% new French oak for 12 months.
Brix: 24.4?
pH: 3.7
TA: 0.53 g/100ml
Alcohol %: 14.5%
90 Points
Richly viscous and voluptuous with dried cherry and plum fruitiness that intermingle along side baking spice, oak, hints of lavender, black pepper, and star anise. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay of vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
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.
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