VINEYARD Castaldi, El Diablo, Giusti, Graham, Jenkins, Kanzler, Keefer, Koplen, Stephens, Thorn Ridge, and Ulises Valdez
HARVEST September 16 – October 20, 2011
FERMENTATION Cold soak for 5 days on average / Ferment for 14 days on average / 86° F peak
OAK 48% new French oak / 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.5%
PH 3.59
TA 5.7 g/L
AROMA
This beautifully complex wine shows layered aromas of rich warm fennel and sage spices, mingled with the red and dark fresh fruit components of red raspberry, crushed ripe black cherries, and hint of rose petal.
PALATE
This Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is pure, balanced, lush, and focused. Rich chocolate-covered cherries come to the front, while fresh ripe raspberries, pomegranate, and cola develop throughout the palate, all resting generously on the top of the tongue. The lingering finish wraps around your palate with focus and freshness.
The 2011 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of vineyards, which lie in cool areas throughout the Russian River Valley. This is a complex region, which in turn allows this Pinot Noir to have many layers and complexities. The wine shows a range of bright red fruits to brambly voluptuous flavors, all hallmark characteristics of the appellation. The individual lots are all unique, providing distinct aromas and flavors, and giving the blend broad complexity. We recommend drinking this wine between 2015 and 2019.
THE RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY IS hallowed ground for lovers of great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Here, the vines are submersed in clockwork fog and daytime temperature swings, which preserve the natural acidity essential to elegant, age-worthy wines. We work with a handful of the most beloved vineyards from this remarkable wine region considered by many to be the heartland of California Pinot Noir.
Within Russian River Valley, in a town tucked away from the main roads, you’ll find a community ranging from writer to artisan. The town of Graton is an area where local winemakers and growers take a respite and enjoy some of the many popular yet under-the-radar restaurants. During harvest, the little town is full of life and bustling.
