2024 Pinot Noir, Russian River

Palate: The palate is vibrant, layered, and beautifully structured, delivering a complex tapestry of fruit, earth, and spice. Bright red fruit flavors (cherry, raspberry, cranberry) from the northern sites are balanced by the deeper fruit and rich, earthy undertones (forest floor, spice, mineral) from the middle regions. The peppery and savory notes from the whole cluster carry through, adding complexity throughout the palate. The oak is seamlessly integrated, providing a subtle backdrop of spice and texture. A defining characteristic is the vibrant, refreshing acidity (contributed by both regions, particularly the middle), which provides energy and length, balancing the wine's richness and making it incredibly lively and harmonious on the palate.

Visual: The aroma is highly aromatic, lifted, and complex, beautifully expressing the diverse terroir of the Russian River blend. It opens with a harmonious blend of bright red and darker fruit notes: the north sites likely contribute vibrant red cherry, wild strawberry, and bright raspberry, while the middle sites add depth with hints of black cherry and plum. Classic Pinot Noir earthy notes from the middle regions are prominent: forest floor, damp soil, and a subtle mineral or crushed rock character. The 30% whole cluster inclusion adds significant layers: distinctive black pepper and white pepper spice, a captivating floral lift (violet, rose petal) potentially from the north sites, and a subtle savory or green stem note. The 50% new French oak is well-integrated, contributing elegant notes of warm baking spice (clove, cinnamon), vanilla bean, and a refined touch of cedar or toast. The overall nose is layered, evolving, and deeply intriguing.

Nose: The aroma is highly aromatic, lifted, and complex, beautifully expressing the diverse terroir of the Russian River blend. It opens with a harmonious blend of bright red and darker fruit notes: the north sites likely contribute vibrant red cherry, wild strawberry, and bright raspberry, while the middle sites add depth with hints of black cherry and plum. Classic Pinot Noir earthy notes from the middle regions are prominent: forest floor, damp soil, and a subtle mineral or crushed rock character. The 30% whole cluster inclusion adds significant layers: distinctive black pepper and white pepper spice, a captivating floral lift (violet, rose petal) potentially from the north sites, and a subtle savory or green stem note. The 50% new French oak is well-integrated, contributing elegant notes of warm baking spice (clove, cinnamon), vanilla bean, and a refined touch of cedar or toast. The overall nose is layered, evolving, and deeply intriguing.