The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Selections
December 21, 2008 by Katey Bacigalupi
Filed under Day to day
Top 25 Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs from the Russian River Valley
Article from the San Francisco Chronicle
The Russian River Valley, one of California’s notable Pinot Noir regions, produces wine with plenty of cherry and red berry fruit. Cooling wind and fog flow through the Petaluma Wind Gap, causing evening temperatures to drop; the growing season is slightly longer, allowing more time for grapes to ripen and flavor.
Rating: TWO AND A HALF STARS 2004 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($42) Subtle cedar, eucalyptus and spice on the nose plus toasty oak; dry, dusty mineral leads to flavors of roasted cherry and bright strawberry on the palate. Winery only.
This week the panel tasted 2005 and 2006 single-vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs, which in general seemed deeper, more concentrated and complex than the majority of those labeled solely with Russian River Valley. We will feature these wines in The Chronicle Wine Selections next week. Cooler temperatures in 2005 maintained grapes’ acidity and resulted in a slightly decreased harvest of great-quality fruit.
A late, wet spring started the 2006 vintage, which had a heat spike in midsummer. Cooler October temperatures delayed harvest, slowing ripening and providing additional time on the vines for grapes to concentrate and mature to full flavor.
The panel found lots to like among the 57 vineyard-designate Russian River Valley Pinots, which are made from vintners’ best, most distinctive grapes. The wines showed well and are displaying depth, complexity and less noticeable alcohol levels than many from the hot 2004 vintage.
Demand is high for these limited-production wines, which is reflected in the prices.
