Winemaker's Notes
This type of Pinot Noir really pushes all my happy buttons: Perfumes, complexity and mouth-watering acidity. With a lower tannin wine, acidity is necessary to hold up the structural side of the angles and rounds balance equation. In our area of the Russian River, the Dijon clones of Pinot Noir were planted heavily around the turn of this past century. They were actually selected for specific parts of Burgundy, yet we have a different climate. Yes, they do very well in certain local sites and I work with some. However, I think this particular proprietary clone of Pinot Noir is perfect for where it is. It is a magical convergence that should be repeated.
As the other 2014 wines, being a drought winter vintage there were smaller berries than normal and with the lower crop and warmer season they ripened deeply. Due to the proprietary clone, it still exhibits very bright acidity and telltale perfume along with the vintage signature of some darker fruit mixed in. Very energetic, relying much more acidity than tannin for its angles. Like a stained-glass window, its structure is integrated within the design so what is most visible are the parts where the energy flows thru. Rose hips, with hints of jasmine and orange peel color the aromas. Good texture with a definite lively tart finish. I think it is a serious wine that is drinking well now and will certainly age and develop more interesting nuances for many years.
Judi Scherrer –
California Grapevine – January 2019
Medium-light to medium ruby color; attractive, ripe, complex, red cherry fruit aroma with floral notes and hints of vanilla and brioche; medium to medium-full body; rich, ripe, elegant, raspberry and cherry fruit flavors with bright acidity and a silky mouthfeel; medium tannin; lingering aftertaste. Very enjoyable to drink now as it opened and developed with airing in the glass, though shows potential for further development with two to four more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended.My Score: 92 of 100 points, first place. Nick Ponomareff
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – April 2018
The 2014 Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard is powerful, dense and explosive. I would prefer to give the 2014 at least a few years in bottle to fully come together. Of all the Scherrer Pinots, the Hallberg has the best balance, and also the greatest potential for development in bottle. The purity and sensuality of the fruit is striking. 93+ points. Antonio Galloni