VINEYARD Treehouse, Keefer Ranch, Zio Tony, Giusti Ranch, Sundawg Ridge, Barron Ranch, Bootlegger’s Hill, Thorn Ridge, Jenkins Vineyard, Vine Hill, 5 Wells
CLONES 115, 114, 113, 37, 777, Calera, 667, 943, Pommard, 23
SOIL Mainly Goldridge loam
FERMENTATION 60% stainless steel, 30% concrete, 10% oak; 2% whole cluster
ÉLEVAGE 40% new French oak & 58% neutral oak for 17 months, 2% wood cask/foudre for 16 months, then 100% of the blend was aged for one month in stainless steel.
ALCOHOL 14.2%
pH 3.52
TA 5.6 g/L
AROMA
The nose is inviting, with red berry fruit and lemon curd.
PALATE
Concentrated and soft, cherry and black fruit bramble carried by vibrant acidity into a lingering finish.
Most mornings, fog follows the river inland off the Pacific and settles over the Russian River Valley, holding the cold until midday. The afternoon’s warm, even ripening builds flavor while holding acidity.
Eleven sites across the valley go into this wine including Bootlegger’s Hill and Treehouse Vineyard — each lending something the others can’t. Fermented in stainless steel, concrete, and oak, this wine aged 17 months in 40% new French oak, with a final month in stainless steel.
The 2024 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir opens with red berry and lemon curd, unfolding into concentrated cherry and black fruit bramble, soft and round on the palate. Generous in fruit and weight, yet balanced from start to finish.
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.
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With soaring aromas and pure, exquisite flavors, these are incredible wines from a not-to-be-missed vintage.
– Julien Howsepian
