Winemaker's Notes
I am delighted at how this vintage is shaping up. A drought product, there was unusual concentration of grape material. Fortunately, we are able to balance the concentrated structural elements with a sense of ‘roundness’ enhanced by an extended time on yeast lees. These lees give up mannoproteins and ‘roundness’ factors over time and brings a new level of texture and continuity to our wines.
Our typical nose of rose petal, orange peel, cranberry, red cherry and sweet loam is there. Flavors cascade, trading prominence and roll into a hint of black cherry cola and sandalwood on its very persistent finish. It is both fruity and savory at the same time (fruit and non-fruit in balance). I wish we had a better way to communicate this wine’s significance to our efforts. I consider this wine as our estate Pinot Noir, even though we have no estate Pinot Noir vineyards; this represents our main focus with this variety. If I were a smarter marketer, I would give it a fancy name.
Judi Scherrer –
California Grapevine – March 2018
Medium-light to medium ruby; attractive, deep, spicy, cherry and cranberry fruit aroma with hints of cardamon, sandalwood, and forest floor; medium to medium-full body; dark cherry fruit flavors with good balance and structure; medium tannin; lingering aftertaste. Developed depth and some complexity as it aired in the glass and while enjoyable to drink now it deserves several more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended. 92 Points. Nick Ponomareff
Judi Scherrer –
Prince of Pinot – November 2017
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Enticing perfume of dark pie cherries and spice. Tasteful cherry core with good length and finishing persistence. Refreshing, sleek and polished, with gossamer tannins, brotherly oak and a riff of cherry cola on the finish. 92 points. Rusty Gaffney
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – April 2018
The 2014 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is lovely. Supple and racy, with plenty of Russian River juiciness, the 2014 has much to offer. Like all of these Pinots, the Russian River speaks in soft tones. Even so, it is quite expressive of the appellation. The 2014 has room to grow in bottle, as Fred Scherrer’s wines often do. 89+ Points. Antonio Galloni