Pinot Noir is synonymous with Sonoma County as one of the flagship
wines of the Russian River Valley region. Light bodied with moderate to
high acidity gives Pinot Noir a structure that makes it eminently pair
worthy with a wide range of foods. A cool climate grape, Pinot Noir can
be finicky and difficult to grow, but it is also most expressive and
reflective of the place where it’s grown. Here in Sonoma County, in the
Russian River Valley and along the Sonoma Coast, we have some of world’s
best vineyards and growing conditions for producing classic Pinot Noir
of elegance and complexity.
Here are capsule reviews of Pinot Noir you may find along the Wine Road.
Baldassari 2019 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
On
the nose the 2019 Baldassari Pinot Noir presents a bouquet of
strawberry, clove and pomegranate and a hint of flint. A nice balance of
fruit, acid and tannin with a plush mouth feel delivers tart cherry,
hibiscus, rose hips and deep grounding notes of tobacco. It’s juicy and
zingy and full of flavor with a long taut finish. Enjoyable now, but for
those that can wait, a few years of bottle age will make it sing. Pair
with pulled pork sliders.
ABV 14.1%
$52
Dutton Estate 2018 La Familia Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Deep
garnet in color the 2018 Dutton Estate La Familia Pinot Noir opens with
a beautiful nose of cranberry, plum, warm spun sugar, black cherry and a
touch of white pepper. Well balanced with silky unobtrusive tannins
that glide across the palate with lush notes of cocoa, red plums,
pomegranate and wild blueberry. Great acidity and a long spicy finish
with a pleasant hit of mint at the end. Pair with something classic such
as a Liberty Duck confit with a cherry glaze.
ABV 14.4%
$72
Ektimo 2017 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
The
Ektimo 2017 Pinot Noir is perfumed with crushed rose petals and violets
and a heavenly scent of wild strawberry. Bright and fruity with good
acidity featuring primary notes of ripe cherry, plum sauce, and spicy
carnation along with savory notes of fig and cocoa that linger on the
finish. Great balance and structure make this a sure bet for cellaring,
but who wants to wait? Enjoy now with a baked Brie or warm goat cheese
salad alongside a rotisserie chicken.
ABV 13.5%
$38
Furthermore 2017 Gaps Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap
The
deep garnet color of the 2017 Furthermore Pinot Noir, from Gaps Crown
in the Petaluma Gap AVA, portends what’s to come. On the nose you’ll
find earthy scents of mushroom and tobacco, with notes of cocoa and ripe
Bing cherry. Bright fruit flavors sashay across the palate with juicy
red raspberry, black plum and tart pomegranate. The spicy finish offers
notes of clove, baking spice and candied ginger that is savory and long
lasting. Pair with mac and cheese for a high/low combination that is
both elegant and satisfying.
ABV 14.7%
$60
Russian River Vineyards 2017 Horseridge Vineyards Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
There
used to be an airline slogan “Something special in the air…” and that’s
what came to mind as I inhaled the complex scents of this Russian River
Vineyards 2017 Pinot Noir. It was an aromatic rush to the senses of
strawberry, leather, clove, vanilla, cigar and plum. Balanced and
well-integrated interplay of acid and tannins deliver tart layered
flavors of cherry, red raspberry, wild blueberry, smoky fig, rhubarb and
a dusting of cocoa. Pair with a fine cigar or something decadent like
black truffle risotto.
ABV 14.5%
$90 (Library Wine)
Trione 2017 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
On
the nose, the 2017 Trione Pinot Noir has scents of sweet briar, cherry,
cranberry, clove, mushroom and plum sauce. Soft silky tannins provide a
seamless backdrop to the juicy flavors of strawberry, pomegranate and a
wonderful note of bacon fat. The long spicy finish has a touch of rose
hips and raspberry. There’s a lot going on here but it all comes
together in perfect harmony. Great to drink now and I suspect it will be
rewarding well into the future too. Pair with bacon wrapped Scallops or
cedar plank salmon.
ABV 14.6%
$44
