Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley, 2008

$ 180.00

While grown primarily in the sandy Goldridge soil, which tends to produce Pinot Noir with flavors of red fruits and orange peel, this wine also illustrates some of the deep, brooding black cherry character generally found in the region’s clay soils. It was bottled without fining or filtration, and should age gracefully for a handful of years.

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Winemaker's Notes

Essentially all from the Green Valley Appellation, some of these vines in the lowest lying areas were affected by early spring frosts of 2008. This resulted not only in less fruit, but less evenly developing fruit because the shoots that re-grew never caught up, translating to later ripening. At nearly full coloring of the ‘earlier majority’ of the grapes, our most frost-affected grower removed the ‘later minority’ making the fruit harvested later more even, leading to the highest quality wine possible even if it meant further reducing the tiny crop. That’s how you do it right. That’s how Kirk Lokka who farms the Hallberg Vineyard did it for us.

I showed this wine at the recent June Pinot Days grand tasting in San Francisco. I have to admit that as good as the 2007 is, a significant number of people preferred the 2008. Like all our Pinot Noirs, this wine will still benefit from a couple more years in bottle. But it shows quite well after its year in bottle. I like the floral notes and the freshness of this vintage very much and find it multi-faceted and hypnotic.

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Reviews

  1. Judi Scherrer

    Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May 2011
    Bright red. Intense,high-pitched red berry and floral aromas, with suggestions of star anise and white pepper. Vibrant and spicy on the palate, with sweet strawberry and raspberry flavors complemented by spice and candied rose nuances. Finishes long and fresh, with notes of dried flowers and a lingering spiciness. 91 points. Josh Raynolds

  2. Judi Scherrer

    California GrapevineMay 2012

    Medium-light to medium ruby; attractive, herbal, ripe black cherry fruit aroma with hints of clove and vanilla; medium-full body; rich, plummy, textured, ripe black cherry fruit flavors with notes of cinnamon, sassafras, and clove; well balanced with bright acidity; medium to medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Developed depth and some complexity as it aired in the glass. Very highly recommended. My score 90. Nick Ponomareff

  3. Judi Scherrer

    Allen Meadows BurghoundJanuary 2012
    This is also restrained and reticent with mostly lower register aromas that also emphasize dark berries and discreet spice notes that complement the round, rich and solidly well-concentrated medium-bodied flavors that possess a velvety mouth feel on the delicious yet entirely serious finish. This is still relatively tightly wound and needs time to harmonize and find its center. 89/2014+

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