Winemaker's Notes
I am very pleased to showcase this very special and important component of the Russian River Valley bottling. In years where the blend does not ‘care’ if every barrel is included, I have the luxury of bottling some separately to showcase this fortunate site. In 8 vintages, I have only made this bottling 4 times. It carries less dark fruits than the RRV bottling, relying on more high-flying aromatics and nuanced perfumes. The juicy acidity on the haunting finish seems to go on forever, despite its apparently lithe frame which is one of the things I love about this site and this appellation. In my opinion, it is one of the finest expressions of Pinot Noir in the Green Valley and judging by the reviews this wine has received prior to its release, I’m not the only one.
Judi Scherrer –
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar – May 2013
Vivid red. A seductively perfumed, complex bouquet evokes fresh raspberry, potpourri and smoky minerals, with a bright, spicy topnote. Sweet and expansive, offering intense red and dark berry flavors and showing a suave, silky texture. Finishes with striking purity, lift and persistence, leaving candied rose and allspice notes behind. A wonderfully elegant and precise pinot that will age gracefully on its balance. 93 points. Josh Raynolds
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – February 2014
The 2010 Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard jumps from the glass with juicy dark red fruit, mint, spices and licorice. A wine of depth and resonance, the 2010 is showing beautifully today, but also has more than enough sheer stuffing to develop nicely in bottle for a number of years. This is one of the more virile, masculine wines in Fred Scherrer’s range. (91 – 93) points. Antonio Galloni
Judi Scherrer –
California Grapevine – May 2014
Medium-light to medium ruby; attractive, forward, spicy, toasty, raspberry and cherry fruit aroma with floral notes and hints of cardamon, cola, and tea leaf; medium-full body; rich, plummy, red fruit flavors with good depth and firm structure; medium to medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Well balanced and elegantly styled, deserving a few more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended. My score 91. Nick Ponomareff
Judi Scherrer –
Wine Spectator – June 2014
Intense, with a forest floor, leafy edge to the firm, vivid dark berry flavors, this is very tight and worthy of cellaring, gaining depth, complexity and traction on the finish. 90 Points. Jim Laube
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – February 2015
The 2010 Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard is endowed with a real sense of energy. Dark red and black stone fruits, smoke, licorice and spices burst from the glass in a structured, voluptuous Pinot that shows just how compelling this vintage can be. The balance of fruit, aromatics and acidity is terrific. I imagine the 2010 will drink well for a number of years. Today it is absolutely delicious. 93 points. Antonio Galloni