Winemaker's Notes
This is truly a fine vintage and represents what I think is the perfect expression of the Green Valley neighborhood: red (cranberry and red plums) and some black (black cherry and a hint of boysenberry) fruits, slightly herbal back note with a tiny earthy side note. All these voices are singing at the appropriate volume and are right in tune. The finish is very long and echoes the entry flavors nicely.
It has perfect acidity to pair nicely with grilled salmon yet enough of the dark side to work fantastic with lightly smoked pork sausage and herbs (as I tried recently in my ongoing dinner time research on such important matters). As with our rosés, I think the acidity is a great counterpoint to saltiness (both in the sausage as well as what the salmon often is touched with) and a light touch with oak still allows perfect harmony with lightly smoked foods. Interestingly, with salmon, the dark fruits show more prominently while with the pork sausage the red fruits in the form of red plums are on top. As you may have noticed, I am enjoying this important line of research and look forward to furthering that project in the near future.
Judi Scherrer –
PinotFile – November 2015
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, spice and a hint of tar lead to tasty, mid weight flavors of black cherry, purple berries, spice and a touch of herbs and red hard candy. Layers of goodness with balanced, slightly gravely tannins, and a succulent finish. Notably complex for an appellation wine. Score: 90. Rusty Gaffney
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – February 2016
The 2012 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is another very pretty wine. Sweet red cherry, plum, cola and spice are some of the signatures in this pliant, super-expressive Pinot Noir. All the elements fall into place in an effortless, perfumed Pinot to drink now and over the next few years. 91 Points. Antonio Galloni
Judi Scherrer –
California Grapevine – April 2016
Medium-light to medium ruby color; attractive, forward, fragrant, black cherry and cranberry aroma with spicy notes and hints of clove and cola; medium-full body; forward, rich, deep, well balanced, red and black fruit flavors with hints of Asian spices; medium tannin; lingering aftertaste. Very appealing to drink now, though worthy of a few more years of aging. Very highly recommended. 92 points. Nick Ponomareff
Judi Scherrer –
Wine Spectator – September 2017
Showing the benefits of a little age, this is a rich, supple, layered effort, with a deep core of loamy blackberry, licorice, wilted rose and floral scents. The flavors are intense, offering excellent traction. 91 Points. Jim Laube
Judi Scherrer –
Purely Domestic Wine Report – May 2020
The nose is briary and spicy blackberry and savory plum. The palate is ripe, forward and juicy warm cherry. Solid density in the core with rich plum silkiness. Drink 2021 – 2027. 92 Points. Doug Wilder