Spring Release Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
2009

Winemaker’s Notes

At this early stage 2009 is on track to be our favorite red wine vintage since we began in 1996. It was as near a perfect growing season as one could script: cool, low-yielding, plenty of sunshine without excessive heat, culminating in a moderately paced harvest. Across the board the wines strike an effortless balance between coastal fruit purity and lingering vineyard-derived complexity. They are absolutely our most naturally grown and vinified group of wines yet. The 2009 RRV Pinot Noir which kicks off the vintage might be our finest effort to date as it displays all the qualities to develop into something truly special. I’m reminded of its 2001 and 2005 cousins which have both gained great complexity with age. Everything about this wine exudes subtlety and balance – there’s plenty of fresh, ripe fruit, but it never overwhelms, remaining focused, bright and pure throughout. A large chunk of DuMOL Estate fruit forms the backbone of the wine and it’s this component that delivers the wine’s verve and liveliness. The Widdoes vineyard blends deeper bass notes into the wine with some classic earthy non-fruit nuanced complexity. The remaining components offer varying textures, fruit tones and acid/tannin structures in their own unique ways. As with all our wines, you can enjoy its freshness and zesty fruit on release, but far greater rewards await with 3 to 6+ years of patience. I have no doubt this wine will transform in the bottle into something really thrilling and this is equally true of all our 2009 red wines, both Pinot and Syrah.

Bright garnet red. Beautifully pure aromas of ripe red cherry then darker wild berry with a subtle grassy rhubarb edge. Opens with cranberry freshness and intense raspberry then deeper kirsch notes with a licorice/sassafras edge. Supple mid-palate that is harmonious and remains focused and lively despite the building richness. Complex savory elements build toward a spicy/peppery finish. Serve at 60 degrees to fully experience the wine’s deft balance of freshness and richness.

Andy Smith Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner