The winery is making a strong turnaround since becoming part of Jean-Charles Boisset’s stable, and veteran winemaker Brian Maloney has access to choice vineyards.
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Reviews
GOLD
SILVER
Pure and direct, with a core of cherry, plum and wild berry that gains depth and nuance before tightening up on the finish, where the tannins reign. -JL
Best Buy
For his 2013 appellation wine, winemaker Brian Maloney selected fruit from four vineyards throughout the Russian River Valley, including Heintz at the cool western edge of Green Valley and Becnel in the warmer hills along Westside Road. His gentle treatment of the fruit and use of mostly older barrels allows quiet, savory aromas of forest mushrooms and sandalwood to lead the way. The flavors slowly build toward a pure, rosy, red-fruited glow that's mouthwatering and gentle, yet utterly persuasive. The wine also happens to be a steal - and it would be delicious with sauteed mushrooms.
SILVER
SILVER
Raspberry syrup and rose hips mark the entry of this wine, an relatively affordable offering from the appellation. Softly layered in red and black cherry as well as more brambly blackberry, it takes on additional complexity in its specks of baking spice, mostly cardamom, before a finish robust in tannin says adieu. —V.B.