There is a tendency to put Sonoma-Cutrer in the chardonnay box, where it has historically excelled. Yet this iconic Russian River Valley winery also has a long and distinguished track record with pinot noir. The 2014 ‘Single Block’ Pinot from Owsley vineyard is a unique style for the Russian River, exhibiting a floral note of violet and cherry liqueur, with firm tannins that should soften over the next year or so. It finishes with excellent persistence and a subtle earth/forest floor nuance that makes it extremely attractive as a mate for wild mushrooms and richly sauced game dishes.
Sonoma-Cutrer, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2014
By Robert Whitley