2017 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

The 2017 vintage will go down in California history as a memorable one for the incredible heat wave on Labor Day weekend, and the devastating Sonoma/Napa fires at the end of harvest.  We have so many winery-related friends who were directly affected by the fires, we'll always think about them when we mention 2017.  Although Graham Family Vineyard lies just 8 miles west of the fire lines, the fruit here had been picked 3 weeks prior, and surprisingly 3 weeks after the 110 degree heat.  It seems like no matter the weather, hot or cold, Graham Family Vineyard reaches its ripeness and maturity in mid to late September. 

 

Our 2017 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is comprised entirely of Graham Family Vineyard fruit, 2/3 clone 23 and 1/3 clone 667.  The major difference between this wine and the vineyard designate is that this is mostly press wine, while the designate is all free run.  Our '17 Russian River has a light garnet color which is followed by a tell-tale Russian River Valley nose of ripe, berry fruit mixed with subtle earth and mushroom aromas.  A full-bodied and lush palate comes next and it predicts you may enjoy this wine at an early age.  It should be at its best from late 2018 through 2024.

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