Spring Release Wester Reach Pinot Noir
2022

Winemaker’s Notes

Our 2022 vintage of “Wester Reach” Pinot Noir is a multi-layered interpretation of this classic region where we live and farm. It includes some of the finest sites in the appellation - vineyards that we have planted, farmed, and harvested for over twenty years. Comprising four of our region’s unique sub-districts, the wine blends fruit from the valley itself with vineyards further west, stretching out to the coolest ‘reaches’ of the appellation’s high elevation coastal ridges. Each district contributes something unique, be it valley-floor texture and volume, ridgeline fruit intensity or bright coastal acidity.?

The wine’s broad base is centered upon our coastal DuMOL Estate with dark fruit intensity, savory spice, and bright vibrancy. At higher elevation on a ridgetop overlooking the Green Valley, Dutton Ranch offers soaring red and black fruit characters of beautiful purity. On the deeper silty/clays of the Santa Rosa Plains, Occidental Road provides broad fruit extract and textural richness. Flax Estate overlooking the river in the Middle Reach weaves in volume, structure, and density from hillside volcanic soils. Placida on the Laguna Ridge ripens late with impressive texture and lingering mossy complexity.

A wine of grand scale complexity. Soaring aromatic intensity with bright red fruits that deepen to darker tones with air. Violet floral notes mix with complex mossy/woodsy characters and maraschino cherry. The wine is concentrated yet elegant, supple, lively and layered. The texture is deep and enveloping before tangy blood orange flavors lift the wine extending its arc of flavor to an intense sleek red mineral finish. Bridges the gap between the crunchy coastal and broader Russian River styles. Drink between 2024 and 2032.

Andy Smith