The 2018 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir showcases the very best of this extraordinary vintage. The season commenced with a wet winter, replenishing much-needed water reserves, and a moderate spring allowing for even bud break and flowering. The balance of warm days and cool nights were preserved throughout the growing season, thanks to the Pacific’s cooling influence and the absence of significant heat spikes.
The wine presents a medium ruby-violet hue in the glass, reflective of its rich lineage. The fruit profile is exuberant and well-rounded, with an abundance of cranberries, dried cherry, and strawberry compote harmonizing with a subtle hint of cola. The 2018 vintage’s charm shines through the seamless integration of smooth, firm tannins that encapsulate the mouth, sharpening the fruit’s focus and enhancing the overall structure.
As the wine opens up, secondary notes unfurl, revealing tantalizing hints of dried mushroom, wet forest floor, and sweet cigar tobacco, indicating a complexity that promises to reward those patient enough to cellar this wine for another 5-7 years.
The finish is long and fresh, ending on a high note with emphasis on sour cherries and sweet vanilla, a testament to the stunning balance and depth of flavors achieved in this exceptional vintage. With its poised elegance, the 2018 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is poised to evolve beautifully, fulfilling the potential of this remarkable vintage.
