Spring Release Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
2011

Winemaker’s Notes

The 2011 Green Valley/Russian River vintage is one characterized by aromatic complexity and layered elegance rather than by sheer density and power. It’s the coolest vintage in a generation and while the wines arise from very low vine yields and possess excellent concentration, they are never heavy nor cumbersome but always refreshing, bright and supple. It’s a predominantly red-fruited vintage with great intensity of flavor and the clearest expression of authentic pinot character I can remember. Our new release 2011 RRV is a great example of blending individual sites and wines to achieve heightened complexity. The range of aromas and flavors it holds is remarkable and spans the entire spectrum of fresh red and darker black fruits, earthier notes, herbal tones, citrus zest and inner mouth floral accents. The wine deftly balances sweet and savory components and has a lingering vitality that makes it so irresistibly drinkable. The combination of vibrant acidity and structured tannins on the finish lift the wine and allow the flavors to reach further still. It’s these structural elements, in tandem with the wine’s inherent freshness that will allow it to increase in complexity in the bottle for up to a decade. We love this wine for its gracefulness and delicacy – it shows that Pinot doesn’t need to be ‘big’ to be intense.

Dark rose color, brilliant in the glass. Great purity of Pinot aromas: fresh cherry, raspberry, sassafras, rose petal and orange peel. Turns savory and complex: green tea, beetroot, smoke, rose hip and juniper. Layered juicy red fruits on palate: sour cherry, damson, pure raspberry, cranberry and crisp red apple skin. Darker tones emerge with air, cassis and huckleberry. Silky, fine texture and always lively, poised and mouth watering. Great complexity to the lingering finish – bergamot, rhubarb and mint. Drink between 2013 and 2020.

Andy Smith Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner