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www.buyersandcellars.ca Cellar Profile
Region
Russian River Valley, one of the United States’ top-ranked wine regions, is located at the heart of Sonoma County. The area generally lies between Sebastopol and Santa Rosa in the south, and Forestville and Healdsburg in the north. It is one of California’s coolest and foggiest AVAs (particularly in its southern and western portions), and its cool growing season and long, slow ripening period promotes complexity and balance in the wines. As a result, Russian River Valley wines are widely respected, particularly those made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Vineyard
HOLDER VINEYARD: Planted in 2000 by Bruce Holder & Mary Ann Wheeler shortly after they purchased a neglected apple orchard atop the ridge looking down on Occidental. Located in the “banana-belt” section of western Sonoma County, the climate is defined by warm days and cool nights. Typically, this is the first Pinot Noir vineyard harvested each year. DEVOTO VINEYARD: Situated three ridges in from the Pacific Ocean in western Sonoma County, Devoto Vineyard is a 20-acre family farm that was founded in 1976. The farm started out as one of the North Bay’s original micro-green growers, and slowly evolved in biodiversity. ENGLISH HILL VINEYARD: Planted in 2005 by Kurt Beitler on an old dairy farm, English Hill Vineyard is located southwest of Sebastopol. Since it is only 9.2 miles from the Pacific Ocean, this site is the epitome of a true Sonoma Coast vineyard. At an elevation of 650 feet about sea level, the canopy is engulfed with marine fog in the morning and bashed by steady afternoon wind. The vines struggle to keep their roots in the sandy-loam soils. Comprised of 9 Pinot Noir blocks, we source fruit from three blocks harvested over a period of two weeks. Equal parts of Dijon clones 115 and 667, along with a selection of Vosne Romanée, rounds out the blend for our English Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir.
Varieties
Pinot Noir grapes are grown around the world, mostly in the cooler climates, and the grape is chiefly associated with the Burgundy region of France. The grape’s tendency to produce tightly packed clusters makes it susceptible to several viticultural hazards involving rot that require diligent canopy management. When young, wines made from pinot Noir tend to have red fruit aromas of cherries, raspberries and strawberries. As the wine ages, pinot has the potential to develop more vegetal and earthy aromas that can contribute to the complexity of the wine.The thin skins and low levels of phenolic compounds lends pinot to produce mostly lightly coloured, medium-bodied and low-tannin wines that can often go through phases of uneven and unpredictable aging.
Winemaking
Barrel fermented. Barrel aged 11 months in 100% French Oak, 25% new, 25% once used, 50% 4 years or older.
Tasting Notes
Bright ruby in the glass. Aromas of petrol, tar, tobacco, dried rose petals, red fruits, star anise and ginger rise from the glass. Fresh, bright flavors of wild strawberry, cranberry, pomegranate, and blood orange are interlaced with juniper berry, black tea, smoked meats and soft chewy tannins.