Sonoma Cutrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022

Grapes are picked by hand early each morning into small bins and hand-sorted before a gentle destemming. During the four-day cold soak and the eight-to-twelve-day fermentation, the wine is punched down by hand in small, open-top fermenters. On completion of fermentation the wine is gently basket pressed and gravity racked into the barrels. Sonoma Cutrer aged this Pinot Noir in a regimen of one-third each of new, one-year and two-year old French oak. After resting for 11 months, the final blend was assembled and prepared for bottling. It then evolved in the bottle for an additional six months.  

This wine offers an elegant array of red berries, cranberries, and cherry cola, complemented by savory spices and a hint of black tea. The nose is uplifted by a sweet and spicy vanilla note from the oak barrels, enhancing its fresh earthiness. On the palate, this Pinot Noir is beautifully structured with smooth, fine tannins that underscore the warm spices and vibrant red berry flavors. Balanced medium acidity and a juicy, vibrant core lead to a medium-length finish, making this wine a perfect representation of the Russian River Valley’s finesse and complexity.

Pairs well with beef, lamb, mushrooms and root vegetable.