2016 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2016 was a return to normal year in most of California growing regions, and the Russian River Valley was no exception.  After four years of drought, the winter rains of 2015-2016 were almost at 30 year average levels, just slightly below.  The spring and summer weather also came back to what we expect in the RRV, with cool foggy mornings and sunny, warm afternoons.  The last time we saw a growing season climate like this was 2012. 

The timing of harvest was also a change from the three very early vintages of 2013, 2014 and 2015 as we picked both the Graham Family Vineyard and the Keefer Ranch during the third week of September. 

In spite of how different the years 2015 and 2016 were, the resulting Russian River Valley Pinots are actually very similar.  The 2016 is deep in color for an AW Pinot, with bright berry aromas and a full, lush palate.  This should open up nicely as 2017 comes to a close and it should drink well through 2024.

Wine Profile

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