94
Wine Advocate
2018
From vineyards on Starr Road, Windsor Ridge and Olivet Lane in the Russian River Valley planted to 777, 667 and Pommard clone, the 2018 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Reserve was made with 15% to 20% whole cluster and aged 11 months in 50% new Francois Freres and Taransaud barrels. Already bottled, it has a medium to deep ruby-purple color and comes charging out of the glass with bold black cherries, red plums, warm cranberries and raspberry pie scents plus wafts of lavender, tilled soil, bouquet garni and tobacco leaf. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long.