2019 RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

Pinot Noir

Vineyard Notes

Appellation

Russian River Valley

Composition

100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol Content

14.3%

Titratable Acidity

5.5 g/L

Ph

3.69

Residual Sugar

0.6 g/L

Cases Produced

10,400

Oak Regime

100% French Oak, 29% New,

41% One-Year; aged for nine months

Ageing Recommendation

6-8 Years

Vintage Comments

The 2019 growing season in Russian River Valley was excellent. Warm and evenly paced, these ideal growing conditions delivered high-quality fruit into the cellar. The season began with plentiful winter rains and a cool, occasionally wet, spring. A warm and steady summer emerged by June, as vines developed healthy clusters with complex flavours and excellent structure. Cool temperatures late in the season preserved the fruit’s bright acidity. Harvest began later in the year, allowing fruit to come into the cellar at optimal ripeness.

Winemaking

The grapes for this Pinot Noir were sourced from cool areas throughout the Russian River Valley growing region, with a small port ion of the final blend sourced from our Annapolis Ridge Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast. We hand-harvested whole grape clusters, destemmed and gravity-fed them into small, 2- to 10-ton open-top fermenters. Following a five-day cold soak, the must fermented for 7 to 10 days using Burgundy and native yeasts. The wine was drained to barrel to undergo malolactic fermentation in 100% French oak, 29% of which was new. Each vineyard, block and clone are kept separate until blending.

Tasting Notes

Crafted from up to 40 individual small lots, our Russian River Valley Pinot Noir offers a classic example of this renowned region. Opening with rich, flavourful notes of dark cherry, plum and ripe raspberry, while hints of earth, cocoa and clove add depth and nuance to the smooth, layered palate. Elegant and balanced, soft tannins and lightly toasted oak give nice weight and structure to the wine. Pair this food-friendly wine alongside pork tenderloin stuffed with rosemary and spiced apple, topped with a plum reduction sauce. For a cheese pairing, try goat cheese with spiced cherry compote.