2013 Green Valley Pinot Noir

TASTING NOTES

Our 2013 vintage of the Green Valley Pinot Noir opens with alluring aromas of cola, currant and baking spice. Richly complex flavors of cherry, ripe raspberry, licorice and tobacco coat the palate of this full bodied, well-structured wine that culminates in a long, satisfying finish. Our chef suggests pairing it alongside a spiced seared duck breast.

VINEYARD NOTES

In the western hills of the Russian River Valley, the small Green Valley appellation is one of Sonoma County’s coolest regions. Evening fog rolls in over from the Pacific Ocean to temper the warm summer days. These optimal conditions extend the growing season, encouraging flavor concentration in the berries while soils rich in minerals from an ancient seabed infuse the fruit with nuanced flavors.

WINEMAKER NOTES

This wine is a blend from several vineyards and Pinot Noir clones, each of which contributes something unique to the finished wine. The late-ripening Ferguson vineyard (Swan Clone) lends dark, intense fruit and tannins while the Giberti vineyard (Clone 115) ripens earlier in a slightly warmer area of the valley. The backbone of the blend is from the Swicegood Vineyard (Clone 777, 667, 115) where the soils are reminiscent of those in Burgundy: rich in clay and calcareous. Grapes are destemmed and go through native fermentation in open-top vats with hand punchdowns before being aged in French oak barrels for 13 months.