VINEYARD Giusti Ranch, Russian River Valley AVA
CLONES 115, 667, 777
ORIENTATION North / East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge loam
FERMENTATION 51% stainless steel, 41% concrete, 8% wood
ÉLEVAGE 47% new French oak for 18 months,
ALCOHOL 13.5%
pH 3.46
TA 5.81 g/L
AROMA
Leading with enticing pomegranate, vanilla, and a lifted, blood orange and dark cocoa combination. Rich mountain berry fruit, pie crust, and juicy blueberry add interest.
PALATE
A refined yet dominant palate with tart red fruit, enticing minerality, and dynamic finish.
The Giusti family has farmed this eponymous property since the 1870s and has some of the deepest roots in Russian River Valley grape growing. Located in a somewhat warmer region of the Russian River Valley and featuring ideal Goldridge soils, this historic property consistently delivers one of our most sumptuous Pinot Noirs.
Our journey to make the New World’s greatest Pinot Noirs began in the Russian River Valley. A quarter-century later, this soaring wine from Giusti Vineyard shows how far we have come. Made from three exceptional clones and primarily fermented in stainless steel and concrete to underscore its potent fruit and supple texture, it was aged for 18 months in French oak.
The result is a lavish wine that offers an impressive array of robust mountain berry and black cherry aromas. On the palate, flavors of juicy blueberry, tangy blood orange, cocoa, and brown baking spices emerge, with tart red berry and crushed stone mineral notes adding to a long, fascinating finish.
Fact of Note: The vineyard was harvested in a single day.
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.
