VINEYARD Winner’s Circle, Russian River Valley AVA
CLONES Calera, Pommard, Swan, 943, 37, 23
ORIENTATION Northeast / Southwest
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge soil
FERMENTATION 79% stainless steel, 21% wood
ÉLEVAGE 52% new French oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 13.5%
pH 3.56
TA 5.75 g/L
AROMA
Bright red fruit notes with concentrated cherry, strawberry, and black tea leaf aromas.
PALATE
Lovely round palate with a welcoming texture and opulent tannins. It is quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
Winner’s Circle Vineyard was planted in honor of previous property owners, Bob and Barbara Walter, known for their famous championship-winning thoroughbreds. It is said the secret to their success was training their horses up and down the vast Sonoma hills. The vineyard was planted in the last pasturelands of the property, which has proved to be just as enchanting as their famed steeds.
This Pinot Noir from the acclaimed site was produced as an exclusive one-time offering in the 2020 vintage. Crafted from five elite clones of Pinot Noir and aged for 16 months in 52% new French oak, it dazzles with layers of ripe red berries, Maraschino cherry, black tea leaf, and roasted coffee beans. Beautifully bright and buoyant, with a lush, generous texture, it is a profoundly satisfying wine and a quintessential expression of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
Fact of Note: This vintage, the vineyard ripened uncharacteristically early, causing a single pick date.
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.
