Red - Pinot Noir

Balletto Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2019 exhibits everything you would expect from a serious pinot. It combines full and captivating aromatics with a delicate texture that defines the Balletto style of Pinot Noir. The wine itself is full of contradictory forces: it’s weighty with a luscious mid-palate, but also surrounded by notable tannins and acidity that keep it focused, balanced and taut. It has plenty of dark fruit, but it’s also layered with savory earth and spices that offset it. The overall impact is complex, impressive and delicious. The 2019 Balletto Russian River Valley Pinot Noir was grown on seven different estate pinot vineyards. The sites range from quiet rolling hills to steep and cold hillside plantings. This diverse combination adds distinct elements from each site and creates a complex wine with structure and grace. Double Gold – San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2022

This is the most important wine in the Banshee lineup, and they treat it as such. The 2018 edition is an exciting, yet friendly wine, bursting at the seams with aromas of macerated wild berries and an elegant, soft earth undertone. The flavors combine both sweet and tart, reminiscent of Santa Rosa plums and wild blackberries that grow so commonly in Sonoma Wine Country. The finish is bright, slightly herbal, and savory making this an excellent food wine, as well as a charming drinking experience by itself.

The delicious 2014 Pinot Noir Carneros, Napa Valley is made from 3 clones of Pinot Noir – the Swann clone, the Calera clone and the Martini clone. The Beresini 2014 Pinot Noir shows classic Carneros Pinot notes of red cherry, earth and cranberry. This wine is medium weight with crisp acidity and bright red fruits followed by earthy/mint tones.

French Soul, Oregon Soil. That’s how Domaine Drouhin characterizes itselt. Their estate winery in the Dundee Hills of Oregon, creates elegant, fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines forged from the family’s tradition of fine winemaking in France. Named after Véronique Drouhin’s elder daughter, Laurène is their flagship wine, and is produced entirely from Pinot Noir grown on the family’s estate in the Dundee Hills.In recent years, Laurène has been named one of the “Great Wines of America” by Paul Lukacs in his book of the same name and “perennially one of Oregon’s best wines” by Portland Monthly Magazine. The 2018 Cuvee Laurene Dundee Hills Estate Pinot Noir is beautifully concentrated with a decidedly complex bouquet. Restrained notes of redcurrant compote and tobacco transition to youthful spice and bramble. Texturally very pleasing, the velvety palate seamlessly blends a kirsch core with an appealing influence of earthy undertones and a touch of vanilla. The engaging finish is luxuriously long and elegant. I do not doubt that this wine will continue to develop beautifully over the next 8-12 years.

The Fess Parker Pinot Noir 2018, Santa Rita Hills starts with hints of nutmeg and dusty minerals. The palate deftly balances density with lifted acidity, carrying flavors of roasted cherry and root beer spice. 10% Pinot Noir. 91 Points Wine Enthusiast.

This Hartford Court Russian River Pinot Noir 2021 is fruit forward, spicy, earthy and supple – sourced from estate owned vineyards in Green Valley and grower owned vineyards in the Sebastopol Hills and Laguna Ridge sub-regions of Russian River Valley.  Complex aromas of ripe cherries, violets and cedar are followed by flavors of perfectly ripe, firm black cherries, mixed red and black berries. Allspice and coffee notes complement a long, multi-faceted finish in this exciting, new Hartford Court Pinot Noir!  90 Points Outstanding – California Grapevine.

Wild strawberry jam aromatics with smoky, briary and raspberry flavors, finished with a burst of blueberry. Cultivated on Mendocino County's Anderson Valley’s high eastern ridge, this remote vineyard is full of chunky, broken rock in thin, powdery soil similar to a Goldridge classification. The Jackson Estate Outland Ridge 2017 Pinot Noir's vines strain to cling to the ridgelines yet produce deep profoundly complex and age worthy wines.

The Anderson Valley AVA is considered by many to be one of the premier growing regions for Pinot Noir in California and wines from the area exude unique characteristics. Located near the cool influence of the Pacific Ocean, Anderson Valley offers a diverse range of geography from the valley floor broken up by meandering rivers to mountains that rise to over 1600 feet sitting above the fog line. This Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of fruit from two of our estate vineyards. Maggy Hawk in the cool “deep end” of the valley is one of the last vineyards before the Pacific Ocean and benefits from the proximity to the maritime influence. Skycrest Vineyard is situated within the warmer Eastern section of the valley and sits at a much higher elevation. Both vineyard sites benefit from unique soils comprised of weathered sandstone which moderates vine vigor and allow for excellent drainage. Clones for this wine include 115, 667, 777, and 828.

Aromas of black currant, rose petal, and cedar box are followed by flavors of blackberry, red cherry and forest floor. On the palate, the wine exudes concentrated flavors and silky tannins. This wine loves a burger with pickled onions, smoked cheeses, herbed roast chicken (or classic coq au vin!), pizza with sun-dried tomatoes and crab-stuffed mushrooms.

Rich. Distinct. Elegant. Formally known as Shell Ridge Pinot Noir. One ridge in from the rugged Sonoma Coast, ancient seashells can be found in the soils of Sealift Vineyard. Aromas of blackberry, orange zest, and forest floor are complemented by flavors of BLACK currant, plum, and hints of anise. On the palate, the wine offers fine grained tannins and a core of fresh acidity.

The Santa Maria Valley-of Santa Barbara County- is one of California’s coolest AVAs, with one of the longest growing seasons in the world. The region is defined by its well-drained, lean soils and the unique east/west transverse mountain ranges that act as a funnel for morning fog and cold afternoon winds off the Pacific Ocean, resulting in balanced, vibrant wines, full of earth, spice, red fruit and floral aromatics. Each vineyard, block, and clone were separated in the winemaking process to best maximize each lot’s distinctive character. The goal is to best express the complexity of Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir which delivers notes of dark cherry, cinnamon and camp fire. The 2014 Nielson Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley has notes of red fruit and violets accompanied by a distinctive earthiness, indicative of its Santa Maria Valley sourcing.

Nori Nakamura first learned about fine wine at his uncle’s Italian restaurant in Tokyo. Fulfilling his dream  he enrolled in the viticulture program at UC Davis where he graduated in 2002. Subsequently, he has gone on to become assistant winemaker at Koves-Newlan, Pine Ridge Vineyards & Artesa and head winemaker at Jamison Ranch and currently at Larson Family Winery. He created Noria Wines to make wines that paired well with Japanese cuisine – and they do, as well as many other foods. 

The 2018 Noria Pinot Noir Russian River, Michael Valentine Vineyards features Intense aromas of raspberry, violet, a hint of dark cherry, rose-petal, and seductive bouquets of cedar, white pepper, and caramel. Fragrant entry. Stylish, refreshing red berry flavor quickly expands on the palate. Vibrant acidity and silky mouth feel melt into an elegant, long finish. A hint of sweet oak and spice notes add nuance and complexity. Pure and delicate. Enjoy with sushi. Shabu-shabu and braised lamb shank.

Best of class – San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Pinot noir made to pair with delicate dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients

Delectable aromas of raspberry, cherry, rose petal, and a hint of strawberry as well as attractive bouquets of cedar, caramel, and anise.  Dazzling red berry flavor expands on the palate. Supple acidity and refined tannins lift the mid-palate and provide the exquisite mouthfeel with finesse and depth. A nuance of elegant oak notes adds a touch of spiciness and tension to the delightful finish. Sensual and transparent. The Sangiacomo Pinot pairs well with Sukiyaki, Roasted duck & pork and Pasta with fresh tomato sauce.

Double Gold – San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition