2018 Heintz Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley
THE VINEYARD
Charlie Heintz is the third generation of his family to farm this 50-acre vineyard. Near Occidental in one of the cooler sections of the Russian River Valley AVA on an exposed ridge, the growing season is longer intensifying the fruit flavors and adding to the depth, richness, and tension in the wine.
SENSORY NOTES
The wine is light ruby in color which fades to a very light brick red with just a tinge of orange. The nose is a bit shy with notes of cinnamon, rosemary and cardamom on top of bing cherry, dried orange rind and red apple skin. On the palate the Bing cherry and red apple skin remain along with pomegranate, white and black pepper, baking spices and the feeling of dried fall leaves. Overall, the wine is layered with non-fruit flavors which speak more of the old world than the new. Delicate and contemplative up front, but with power that comes through on the finish that begs for turkey gravy and cranberry sauce.
91 points,Wine Advocate
100% Pinot Noir | Clone: 115, Swan, Beringer
Fermentation: 100% native primary and secondary ferments
Aging: 11 months in low toast French oak, 25% new