Some of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines are produced in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma County.
This article will explore the process of making Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, its taste, and some elegant bottles you can add to your collection. We will also explore the Russian River Valley.
What does Russian River Valley Pinot Noir taste like?
The Pinot Noir wine of Russian River Valley is a dry red, medium-bodied wine noted for its aromatic, refined fruit flavor profile and bolder character than a classic Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir is known for its traditional notes of strawberry and light cherry. These are usually accented with dark cherry, spices, spearmint, and an earthy forest aroma. The combination of a silky texture with balanced acidity produces a seductive, smooth wine that will delight any Pinot lover.
8 Amazing Russian River Pinot Noir Wines To Buy In 2023
Here are some fine vintages that will enhance your collection.
Cirq Bootleggers Hill Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, 2013 ($227)
Experience vibrant notes of blueberry, plum, black cherry, chocolate, dark spice, and new French oak – all perfectly balanced in a medium to full body with fine, velvety tannins.
2015 Rochioli West block Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley (150 $)
The 2018 Pinot Noir comes from vines planted in 1969. It dazzles with notes of dark cherry, lavender, black plum, spice and a medium-bodied palate that is lush and ripe.
2018 DuMOL Finn Pinot Noir Russian River Valley (229)
This delicate, vibrant 2018 vintage comes from the finest fruit of two neighboring vineyards. Discover the aroma of orange peel, sandalwood, blackberry, and a palate that spans the spectrum of red fruit to black.
2017 Kosta Browne Bootlegger’s Hill, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($177)
The spectacular 2016 vintage from Sonoma County is generous and memorable, with black cherry, cola, and Asian spice dancing on a rich, complex palate. A silky tannin structure and vibrant acidity contrast with brooding earthiness.
2015 Williams Selyem Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley (168$)
This vintage is an expressive wine right out of the bottle, with unfurling notes of raspberry, blueberry, wild strawberry, rose petal, orange peel with wood spice, and earth. Refreshing acidity integrates with a beautifully balanced palate of aromatic fruits and refined tannins.
2013 Rochioli Russian River Valley Three Corner Pinot Noir ($177).
This beautiful Pinot Noir from the Rochioli vineyard is expressive, aromatic, and generous.
This satiny wine has layers of flavors, including dark cherry, plums, colas, violets, and baking spices. It is complemented with a zingy acidity.
2018 Kistler Vineyards Laguna Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($191)
The 2018 Russian River Pinot from the Laguna Ridge vineyard displays a wealthy, dark fruit character combined with fresh elegance. Expect notes of raspberry, cherry, orange peel, and fragrant earth in the glass.
2018 J Vineyards & Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (37 $)
This 2018 vintage Pinot Noir from J Vineyards & Winery is crafted from up to 100 individual small lots. Depth and expression emerge in a show of red fruit, blueberry, pomegranate, baking spice, and hints of smoke swirling on a layered, velvety palate.
Take a look below at which foods pair well with Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
What foods pair with Russian River Valley Pinot Noir?
Enjoy your Russian River Pinot Noir with duck, goose, and game birds.
Carbonara pasta is a great match with hard cheeses or marinated mushrooms.
How is Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Made
Let’s take the winemaking process of the winemaker J Vineyards as an example:
Pinot Noir grapes are hand-harvested as whole clusters are destemmed and then gravity-fed to small fermenters with open tops at the winery. They must ferment for 7- 10 days after a 5-day soak in cold water.
The wine is then drained and placed in barrels to undergo malolactic fermentation. These barrels are made of 100% French oak, with about 30% new oak.
The grapes are blended separately from each vineyard block, clone, and variety. This preserves the unique characteristics of each terroir.
Is Russian River Pinot Noir Like Willamette Valley Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir from both Russian River Valley, California, and Willamette Valley, Oregon, are equally famous but stylistically different. Willamette Valley vines are far younger, planted in 1965, while Russian River Valley has cultivated this grape since the 1850s.
Anderson Valley is a smaller region north of San Francisco that deserves attention. Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley is usually leaner, more earthy, and less sultry than Russian River Pinot Noir.
This Californian wine area is a fascinating region.
Russian River Valley Terroir: Quick Facts
The Russian River Valley was granted AVA (American Viticultural Area) status in 1983. Most of California’s highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in this region.
Where is the Russian River Valley AVA?
The Russian River Valley AVA lies in the middle of California’s Sonoma County. The Russian River Valley AVA stretches from the south of Healdsburg up to San Pablo Bay.
The appellation does not encompass the entire Russian River Valley. The AVA’s small river valley begins only near Healdsburg after the river leaves the Alexander Valley area.
What is the Russian River Valley Terroir like?
The fog that travels up the Russian River from the Sonoma Coast makes this one of the cooler regions in Sonoma. Moisture plays an important role in the proper development of flavors and is a distinguishing feature of this appellation.
Many different soil types support the growth of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. There are also Zinfandel and Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Enjoy the Russian River Terroir through a glass of wine!
The elegant, luxurious Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is one for any wine enthusiast’s collection. With so many fine producers to choose from, you won’t run out of options any time soon.
Are you interested in trying this delicious red wine? Or some crisp Russian River Chardonnays?
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