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%
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color and strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe blackberry, and warm cassis with hints of cherry, black olive, currant and a touch of black pepper.
93 Points
Aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of Madagascar vanilla followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a touch of lavender. Its rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish.
94 Points
Rich and full-bodied and graced with elegant structure. Nuanced flavors of blackberries and ripe cherries that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving. A subtle waft of roasted coffee beans and lightly toasted almonds entwine with raspberry in a luxurious finish.
93 Points
Aromas of glazed lemon, pear drops, ripe gooseberries, acacia and wet stone on the nose. The palate is juicy and vibrant on the palate with attractive notes of tarragon and citrus peel. Medium to full bodied with vivid acidity and mineral under-tones. Crisp and flavorful.
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.
Highly Recommended
Aromas of blackberry, rose hip, dried cranberries and hints of boysenberry followed by notes of violets and crushed spices. The palate opens with a dense and lush tannin structure supported by flavors of red berry fruit, and a long flavorful vanilla finish.
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