Varietal of the Month: Pinot Noir

 

Pinot Noir is light bodied with moderate to high acidity and alcohol levels between 12-15% that makes it eminently pair worthy with a wide range of foods. A cool climate grape, Pinot Noir can be finicky and difficult to grow, but it is also expressive and reflective of the place where it’s grown. Here in Sonoma County, in the Russian River Valley and along the Sonoma Coast, we have some of world’s best vineyards and growing conditions for producing classic Pinot Noir of elegance and complexity.

 

Here are capsule reviews of Pinot Noir you may find along the Wine Road.

 

 

ACTA 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

The ACTA 2021 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley is a blend from two Russian River Valley vineyards. Acta Non Verba means Deeds not Words, the producer’s commitment to doing everything with intention. And this first vintage of Pinot Noir was a revelation! It’s a dance of spice and red fruits with balanced tannins and great acidity On the nose, dark cherry, raspberry and pomegranate with a core of baking spice, vanilla, and a whiff of dried tobacco leaf. On the palate it’s bright and light, yet savory with notes of allspice, cranberry, and fleshy dark cherry. Full of texture and well balanced, it has long smooth finish with a hint of black plum and trace of clove.

 

ABV 14.5%

$75

 

 

Mill Creek 2020 Pinot Noir Swensrud Vineyard, Sonoma County

 

The Mill Creek 2020 Pinot Noir, Swensrud Vineyard, is truly satisfying. On the nose, a medley of dried strawberry, raspberry, clove, vanilla and earthy notes of mushroom and tobacco leaf. On the palate, a nice balance of fruit, acid and tannin with flavors of tart cherry, hibiscus, rose hips, anise, and a deep grounding note of ripe red plum. It’s balanced and elegant with a long earthy and spicy finish.

 

ABV 13.6%

$66

 

 

Orsi Family 2021 Pinot Noir Eastside Road Vineyard, Russian River Valley

 

The Orsi Family 2021 Pinot Noir, Eastside Road Vineyard, Russian River Valley is pale ruby in the glass with a slight blue tinge. On the nose hibiscus, spicy carnation, blueberry and cranberry. On the palate a carnival of delight both savory and bright with notes dried strawberry, spun sugar, blood orange and tart cherry. It’s like a tone poem, a veritable ode to Pinot Noir.

 

ABV 14.1%

$44

 

Papapietro Perry 2021 Pinot Noir, Nunes Vineyard, Russian River Valley

 

The Papapietro Perry 2021 Pinot Noir, Nunes Vineyard has all the earmarks of a classic Russian River Valley Pinot. The aromatic nose is composed of dusty rose petal, candied violet, vanilla, raspberry, black cherry and a dash of white pepper. It has great texture with initial notes of plum sauce, wild blueberry, blood orange, raspberry. The mid palate delivers earthy flavors of mushroom, sweet tobacco and baking spice. A long smooth finish is balanced with deep notes of blackberry, cranberry and spicy clove. Age worthy and will develop further complexity over time, but simply delicious right now as well.

 

ABV 13.1%

$66

 

 

Sonoma-Cutrer 2021 Pinot Noir, Les Plus Haut, Russian River Valley

 

The Sonoma-Cutrer 2021 Pinot Noir, Les Plus Haut has a hypnotic deep purple-blue hue in the glass. The soft aromatic nose has an array of notes including rose water, blueberry, black cherry, strawberry, leather, clove, vanilla, cigar and plum. It’s a heady rush to the olfactory senses. On the palate, a balanced and well-integrated interplay of acid and tannins deliver tart layered flavors of cherry, red raspberry, wild blueberry, smoky fig, rhubarb and a dusting of cocoa. Each sip brings a new facet to savor.

 

ABV 14.3%

$70

 

Viszlay Vineyards 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

 

The Viszlay Vineyards 2019 Pinot Noir is like a sleeping beauty that awakens upon the first sip. It’s alluring and pretty with scents of raspberry, clove, cherry cola, violet, mocha and bright strawberry. On the palate, it’s well balanced with medium acidity, smooth tannins and a delicate purple heart of dark fruits with plum, blackberry, wild blueberry, and fleshy black cherry. The long spicy finish has a wonderful savory note of thyme at the end.

 

ABV 12.9%

$65

 

 

Varietal of the Month: Barbera

Barbera: Prince of Darkness, Goddess of Light—well not exactly, but Barbera is characteristically dark in color and light in taste. It’s a fairy tale of red and black berry flavors with high acidity, relatively low tannins, and a spicy finish. A charming and quaffable Italian varietal, Barbera pairs well with braised meats and roasted vegetable dishes.

Here are capsule reviews of Barbera you may find along the Wine Road.

 

Colagrossi 2019 Barbera Moon Mountain, Sonoma County

 

The Colagrossi 2019 Barbera from Moon Mountain in Sonoma County has all the earmarks of a classic. Dark ruby color with a magnificent nose of mocha, rose petals, anise, and blackberry. On the palate, a plush mouthfeel with blackberry, dark cherry, fig, plum and sweet tobacco. Fresh acidity and textbook Barbera structure carry the dark fruit flavors smoothly forward with a spicy pepper and clove spiked finish. From first sniff to last sip it’s a pleasure. Enjoy with pumpkin sage ravioli.

 

ABV: 14/7%

$40

D’Argenzio 2018 Barbera Di Niccolo, Sonoma Mountain

 

The D’Argenzio 2018 Barbera Di Niccolo from Sonoma Mountain is deep purple in color with a light garnet rim. On the nose, light scent of pomegranate, anise, and cherry. On the palate the flavors are tart and juicy with notes of dried strawberry, blackberry, cranberry, tart cherry and fleshy dark plum. Silky, bright finish with a satisfying minty-fennel endnote. Pair with Eggplant Parmigianino.

 

ABV 13.5%

$38

 

Carol Shelton 2022 Barbera D’Oakley Planchon Vineyard, Contra Costa County

 

The Carol Shelton 2022 Barbera D’ Oakley hails from the 130-year-old Planchon Vineyard in Contra Costa County, co-planted with Zinfandel and Merlot. In the glass it’s medium garnet in color. On the nose a light scent of violets, blackberry, vanilla and touch of earthy nutmeg. On the palate, a tangy juicy punch of flavor full of pomegranate and black cherry with a grounding notes of thyme and peppercorn. The blend of Zinfandel and Merlot give this Barbera a fine balance with a bright yet plush mouthfeel and notes of Santa Rosa along with black pepper and blackberry on the long spicy finish. Pair with cheesy sausage and pepper pizza.

 

ABV 13.5%

$30

 

Orsi Family 2021 Barbera Dry Creek Valley

 

The Orsi Family 2021 Barbera has a medium purple hue with a slight blue tinge at the rim. On the nose, fleshy black cherry, plum and garrigue (costal aromatic herbs: think mint and sage). On the palate, it builds steadily with flavors of dried strawberry, sour cherry, cranberry, and black pepper. With time in the glass it comes alive with a juicy vibrancy that carries though to the bright spicy finish. Pair with classic Spaghetti and Meatballs or Chicken Cacciatore.

 

ABV 13.9%

$44

 

Peterson Winery 2019 Barbera Tollini Vineyard, Mendocino 

 

Wild Woodland creature indeed! Right on the label the Peterson Winery 2019 Barbera from Tollini Vineyard declares the wine possesses the spirit of a “wild woodland creature”—indeed the simile is apt. With it’s dark color and bright flavor it’s a wily but approachable Barbera. On the nose, deep earthy notes of garrigue, licorice, ripe blackberry, and mocha. On the palate, notes of tangy tart cherry with a medley of thyme, marjoram, and blackberry brambles. A plush mouth feel with soft tannins that deliver secondary flavors of fig and plum, boysenberry and slate. Balanced and beautiful. Pair with Rabbit Ragu over Pappardelle.

 

ABV 16.3%

$24

Varietal of the Month: Sauvignon Blanc

 

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the Noble Grapes noted for its high acidity and aromatics. Flavors range from lean, green and grassy; to creamy with notes of passion fruit and fleshy peach depending on climate and how the wine is aged be it in stainless steel or oak. Texture is the name of the game with Sauvignon Blanc, serve cold and prepare to be refreshed. When it comes to food pairing—Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate flex, versatile and accommodating to a vast array of foods from oysters on the half shell to cheese and charcuterie, and even tomato based dishes. 

Here are some capsule reviews of Sauvignon Blanc you may find along the Wine Road.

J. Bucher 2022 Bucher Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley

The J. Bucher 2022 Bucher Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Russian River Valley shines in the glass with a bright straw gold color. On the nose a profusion of bright scents including honeydew, peach, guava, marigold, and passion fruit. On the palate the first word that comes to mind is—Yummy! It’s rich with flavors of grapefruit, creamy peach, ginger and salty lemon with a light acidity that ties it all together like the rug in the Dude’s apartment. Both sweet and tart with a soft mouth feel and a hint of salted butter on the finish. Pair with Scallop Ceviche.

AVB 13.0%
$38

David Coffaro 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley

The David Coffaro 2022 Sauvignon Blanc from Dry Creek Valley is a pale gold in color. It has a beautiful soft scent with notes of guava, white peach, chalk, passion fruit and a touch of warm spun sugar that is immensely engaging. On the palate initial hints of chalk and grapefruit make way for juicy, crisp notes of nectarine, peach and ginger with a wonderful salinity. Complex and exciting, 9% of Riesling gives it a great lift and balance to the zesty citrus acidity that is characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc. Pair with Panzanella Salad.

ABV 14.4%
$28

Dry Creek Vineyard 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley

The Dry Creek Vineyard 2021 Sauvignon Blanc from Dry Creek Valley, is blended from the clones of Sauvignon Musqué and Sauvignon Gris and is a veritable Master Class in texture and classic flavor profiles. On the nose creamy peach, warm amber passion fruit, ginger and guava with a spicy note of pink peppercorn. On the palate it’s juicy, bright and vibrating with spikey acidity, featuring flavors of honeydew melon, peaches & cream, tart citrus and a light kick of jalapeño. Go with a classic pairing—oysters on the half shell.

ABV 14.1%
$25

Orsi Family 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley

The Orsi Family 2021 Sauvignon Blanc from Dry Creek Valley has a pale yellow color with a slight green tinge at the rim. Tropical notes of grapefruit, pineapple and guava co-mingle with a chalky salinity that brings to mind saltine crackers. On the palate the flavors coalesce with with notes of ginger, honeydew melon, a bit of grapefruit pith and a lithe herbal quality that rings of pea shoots and sage. Pair with Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Chimichurri.

ABV 13.5%
$28

Pedroncelli 2022 Giovanni & Giulia Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley

The Pedroncelli 2022 Giovanni & Giulia Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley is a pale yellow gold color, with qualities both bright and savory. The nose is a sensory wonder wall with notes of lemon peel, ginger, warm peach cobbler, and tropical notes of pineapple and guava. On the palate, a quenching combination of grapefruit pith, bold tart citron and a jalapeno-honey note that gives balance and grounding to the acidity.  Pair with Peach Caprese Salad.

ABV 13.9%
$22

Selby 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley

The Selby 2022 Sauvignon Blanc from Russian River Valley raises the question—What wizardry is at play here? It’s like a trip to the boardwalk with the scent of the salty sea and warm peachy cotton candy with vanilla and spicy ginger swirling in the air. On the palate, a soft mouth feel with notes of creamy peach and Bartlett pear with a crisp pop of acidity on the clean and fresh cucumber-sage like finish. Pair with Grilled Mango Chicken.

ABV 14.0%
$25

Sonoma-Cutrer 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley 

The Sonoma-Cutrer 2022 Sauvignon Blanc from Russian River Valley is a pale golden straw color with a tint of green. On the nose a compelling blend of honeycomb, peach, basil and buttered sourdough. On the palate, zesty bright notes of grapefruit and jalapeño are balanced out with notes of wet chalk, vanilla, guava and peach. Great texture and acidity with notes of limestone, green olive, and fresh cut grass on the finish. Pair with warm tomato and goat cheese tart.

ABV 12.2 %
$25