There are myriad fruity Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs–boasting cherries, berries, and all other sorts of red/black fruits–yet there are fewer Pinots from the region that also have intriguing herbal, spice, earth and other savory notes. There is a pleasantly haunting potpourri aroma to this wine–lavender, rose petals and allspice–and these notes carry through to the palate, adding great interest to the vivid wild-berry flavors. This wine is flat-out delicious, its palate weight and supple tannins making for pure, hedonistic enjoyment, with a succulent acid close.
Gary Farrell Winery, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2010
By Linda Murphy