The Appellation

The Fog

The Soil

In the Pinot Season

Today the number of acres in the Russian River Valley devoted to pinot noir is increasing faster than any other variety. The reason for this ascendancy lies in the region’s growing conditions. The fog-cooled climate and well-drained soils in the Russian River Valley make the area one of a handful of places in the world where first-class pinot noir can be grown.

Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley likes cold, east facing hills when further inland (the east face is away from the sun in heat of late fall days), and south and protected west faces nearer to the coast; shallow, low-vigor soils; low crop; good karma; growers with other means of income.

Russian River Pinot is distinguished by its overall complexity and characters of intense cherry, blueberry and raspberry flavors, along with interesting spice and herb notes (kola, cinnamon, tarragon and rosemary), laced with a clean earthiness often described as forest floor and wild mushrooms. This cold neighborhood, with all its little nooks and crannies, is best characterized by reds of bright, berry fruit, substantial tannins, balanced acidity and great ageability.