Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022
Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022 is a dry, light-bodied red from Pinot Noir (Russian River, United States), in the light, fresh reds style. Tannins are soft and acidity fresh; oak influence is noticeable. Good with duck, lamb, mushroom risotto, salmon. Drink now or within 15 years (to about 2037). No need to decant. Critic score 94/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geantet-Pansiot Bourgogne Pinot Fin 2021 Geantet-Pansiot · Burgundy | £37.22 | |||
| Philippe le Hardi, Mercurey 1er Cru 'Les Puillets' 2022 | £36.95 | |||
| Rully Rouge, Premier Cru, Preaux, Paul et Marie Jacqueson 2021 Paul et Marie Jacqueson · Burgundy | £36.10 | |||
| Manincor Mason Pinot Nero 2023 Manincor · Alto Adige | £32.84 |
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Sonoma County, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards is a prestigious winery founded in the 70s. Its popularity is often linked to its production of award-winning and highly sought-after Chardonnays, but the company also makes excellent Pinot Noirs that mix the classic style of Burgundy with the vivacity of California wines. The Pinot Noir grapes are hand-picked early in the morning from the Owsley Estate and Vine Hill vineyards in the Russian River Valley. The Owsley vineyard enjoy significant nighttime temperature variations, a factor that favors the development of a strong aromatic character in the grapes. At Vine Hill, on the other hand, the topographic differences guarantee the production of elegant, complex, and unique wines. After harvest and a short cold maceration, fermentation takes place in open containers and the finished wine rests for 11 months in a mix of old and new oak, before being blended, bottled, and left to rest in the bottle for a further 6 months. Sonoma-Cutrer's Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a fragrant wine that reveals a fresh and lively aromatic profile on the nose, with notes of blueberry and other red berries, sweet spices, and earthy notes. On the palate, it is round, juicy, well-structured, and balanced, with well-integrated acidity and velvety tannins. It has good fruit concentration and a long, slightly spicy finish. It pairs well with duck, lamb, and mushrooms.