Winemaker's Notes
The 2018 vintage has proven to be an exceptional in our area, from Chardonnay to Cabernet Sauvignon. Pinot Noir, in particular is showing grace, perfume and substance. Here is the first release of our many 2018 Pinot Noir bottlings, which is achieving everything we could ever hope for regarding a vintage.
While almost entirely from Russian River Valley fruit, this speaks less clearly of that origin and borrowing words from Chuck Furuya, MS, simply exudes ‘deliciousness.’ Pretty red cherry with notes of dried cherries, rose hips, hibiscus and a hint of patchouli greet the nose. There is a seamless progression of the aromatics as well as how the wine unfolds on the palate with a very long finish and great continuity. We have been enjoying this with fresh local salmon. It is rather perverse that a winery’s entry level wine is so satisfyingly in line with the ‘fancier’ bottlings. To me, the fancy stuff must show the signature of the area or specific site. However, no matter what, the wine must be delicious and compelling.
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – August 2022
The 2018 Pinot Noir (Sonoma County) is a gorgeous wine at this level, or any level, for that matter. Bright, perfumed and deceptively light in body, the 2018 possess terrific depth and compelling inner sweetness that just builds with time in the glass. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, mint and blood orange are some of the many nuances that open with a bit of time. What a gorgeous wine this is. Vineyard sites are Gunsalus, Zio Tony plus press lots from the other wines and a few other odds and ends. 91 points. Antonio Galloni