2018 Davis Bynum Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Winemaker Notes: Red cherry and plum aromas with spicy floral and subtle oak lead to a rich mouthful of fruit flavors and velvety tannins with vibrant acidity and berry fruit on the finish. Grilled salmon, Portobello mushrooms, lamb shanks, spinach salad and medium to sharp cheeses would all be beautifully paired with this Pinot Noir.

Davis Bynum Pinot Noir showcases terroir: differences in flavor from distinct sites in the Russian River Valley. Our Russian River Valley Pinot Noir blends the characters of three distinct Russian River Valley neighborhoods and select blocks from the Petaluma Gap to create a wine with richness, balance and complexity. The darker fruit tones, richer mouthfeel and velvety tannins come from fruit grown in the warmer climate of the Santa Rosa Plains with its clay-rich soils underlain by volcanic ash. The fruit grown on the sandy soil of the warm Middle Reach neighborhood on Westside Road add to the spice, floral and red cherry fruit tones. The fruit from vineyards in the much cooler Green Valley neighborhood add fresh blueberry and vibrant acidity from the lauded Goldridge sandy loam soils. And a select piece from our hillside vineyard in the Petaluma Gap, within view of San Pablo Bay, adds racy acidity and briary fruit to the blend.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Wine Enthusiast - "This is a rich, rounded wine sourced from several vineyards, including the estate Jane’s Vineyard. Tea, forest and cardamom contribute a spicy earthiness that finds its match in juicy strawberry, cherry and soft tannins."


James Suckling - "A soft and fruity red with plum and berry aromas and flavors. Citrus and cedar, too. Easy to drink with real Russian River pinot character of ripe strawberries and warm, earthy undertones. Sustainable. Drink or hold."


Wine Spectator - "Shows accents of fresh-cracked white pepper to the dried red fruit and berry flavors, which are framed by crunchy acidity and tannins. The juicy finish offers vibrant forest floor notes and hints of hazelnut."