The Russian River Valley blend represents the unique characteristics of the appellation that set it apart from other growing regions. This wine is defined by its rich weight and texture and by the dark fruit profile commonly associated with the Russian River Valley. The wine is assembled using select lots from our Westside Road Estate Vineyard as well as selections from the Toboni, Lucky Well, and Mononi Vineyards We use no de-classified wine or “filler” vineyards for this appellation blend. Instead, tthis wine is viewed as a blend of our single vineyard and estate wines and is an excellent survey of the vintage and appellation each year.

Cold grapes arrive at the winery early in the morning after having been picked at night. The clusters are sorted by hand and then destemmed into small, open-top fermenters. The juice is allowed to warm gradually and naturally in the fermenter. Given that all of the wines are made with native yeasts and are not inoculated, this cold-soak period can vary between 5-8 days depending on how long it takes these native populations to build up and begin fermentation. Pinot Noir fermentations are kept below 85 degrees. The wines always go through malolactic fermentation. The wines then spend the next 11 months in barrel, and the wine is racked clean just prior to bottling.

The 2018 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir leads with a bouquet of lavender, crushed cherries, and notes of fresh blue and red fruit. Aged in a modest 20% oak. Only the faintest suggestion of toasted oak and graphite frames the rich cherry, raspberry and ripe blueberry flavors on the palate. 2018 was a cool growing season, and as a consequence the wine has a vibrant freshness that complements its depth and density. Fine-grained tannins and tart acidity provide lift, structure and balance.