Winemaker's Notes
I have been enticing visitors with the 2010 vintage this past year and it has taken on its own passionate following. Like the 2011 Russian River Pinot, it is all pre-rain and was stunning material. The majority of barrels from this parcel are the normally the backbone of our RRV bottling. I was able to keep two barrels separate this vintage to showcase its beauty without making any difference in the quality or balance of the RRV bottling. In the RRV, it’s like the member of a committee that reels the other members back to reality and focuses attention to the job at hand after heated debate. What it brings to the table is the quiet, classy aromatics, red fruits and persistent, supporting acidity.
Great Pinot Noir should have personality and a sense of purpose that the taster recognizes without being hammered over the head with a mission statement, graphs and charts, or young ladies in bikinis at trade shows handing out shots of tequila. We have all met people who appear quite reserved, confident and engaging without appearing like a golden retriever meeting someone with a tennis ball. This wine has that quiet confidence. Red-fruited, slightly herbal, beautifully high-toned floral perfumes give way to a very juicy, mouth-watering entry. Laser-focused acidity carries through with great continuity making this wine not only good on its own, but a fantastic wine to have with any food that appreciates bright acidity and reserved, but substantial character.
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – February 2015
The 2011 Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard is fleshy, succulent and expressive. Sweet red cherries, plums, mint, pine and small red berries open up nicely. The Hallberg has a slightly redder profile than the Russian River bottling, where it is the main component, but also, interestingly, just a little less persistent through the finish. Still, there is more than enough pedigree for the 2012 Hallberg to drink nicely for the next handful of years. 91 Points. Antonio Galloni
Judi Scherrer –
International Wine Cellar – May 2014
Vivid ruby-red. Floral raspberry and cherry-cola scents are accented by white pepper and Asian spices. Fresh and nervy on the palate, offering vibrant red fruit flavors and a mounting touch of allspice. Shows very good energy and lift on the incisive finish, which features silky tannins and a hing of candied rose. 90 Points. Josh Raynolds
Judi Scherrer –
PinotFile – November 2015
Fruit from this vineyard is the normal backbone of the Russian River Valley bottling. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. A haunting wine, with intense mid weight plus flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice, dried herbs and a hint of tarry oak. An underlying citric edge brings the juicy fruit alive. Impressive length on the palate and the lush finish. Score: 92 Rusty Gaffney