If you want to know what wine writers mean when they use “cherry cola” as a descriptor, this is the perfect demonstration bottling. The nose shouts the characteristic in clarion voice, and the palate follows suit with a plush texture carrying the flavors and winding up with a bright acidic pop that extends the finish. It’s a certain to please option in the sea of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
Ladera Vineyards, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2018
By Rich Cook