Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Sonoma County, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards is a prestigious winery founded in the 70s. Its popularity is often linked to its production of award-winning and highly sought-after Chardonnays, but the company also makes excellent Pinot Noirs that mix the classic style of Burgundy with the vivacity of California wines. The Pinot Noir grapes are hand-picked early in the morning from the Owsley Estate and Vine Hill vineyards in the Russian River Valley. The Owsley vineyard enjoy significant nighttime temperature variations, a factor that favors the development of a strong aromatic character in the grapes. At Vine Hill, on the other hand, the topographic differences guarantee the production of elegant, complex, and unique wines. After harvest and a short cold maceration, fermentation takes place in open containers and the finished wine rests for 11 months in a mix of old and new oak, before being blended, bottled, and left to rest in the bottle for a further 6 months. Sonoma-Cutrer's Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a fragrant wine that reveals a fresh and lively aromatic profile on the nose, with notes of blueberry and other red berries, sweet spices, and earthy notes. On the palate, it is round, juicy, well-structured, and balanced, with well-integrated acidity and velvety tannins. It has good fruit concentration and a long, slightly spicy finish. It pairs well with duck, lamb, and mushrooms.

Price: £36.14 from 8wines UK