Winemaker Notes
This classically styled expression of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is both elegant and alluring, with silky tannins, seamlessly integrated French oak, lush red fruit flavors of Bing cherry and raspberry, and a subtle underlying tension that carries the wine to a long, fresh finish.
Production
While the 2020 North Coast growing season began with a mild winter and less than average rainfall, there was enough precipitation to provide ample soil moisture. After an early and ideal budbreak, temperate weather throughout spring and summer produced balanced canopies and steady shoot growth, with relatively small berries. Mid-August brought a week of temperatures over 100º F, providing a final push towards optimal ripeness for our Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and select Pinot Noir vineyards. While late-season wildfires in Northern California brought logistical challenges, we were able to successfully pick our North Coast vineyards during a very busy, truncated harvest, resulting in beautifully pure and aromatic white wines, and lush, spicy and concentrated reds.