Few areas in the world are blessed with just the right balance of warm days and
cool nights that are needed to produce great Pinot Noir. The Russian River Valley
appellation (or AVA - American Viticultural Area) is one of those places - and we take full
advantage of it. We grow or choose to work with growers who know this varietal and we
collaborate with them to pick the fruit when flavors are well developed but
while acid levels are still balanced. This wine comes from three great vineyards in the
Russian River Valley, including our Estate vines on Westside Road, RbarN ranch and the
Rochioli Estate.
We hand-pick the grapes at night or at first light and deliver them cool to the
winery where they are de-stemmed (not crushed) and allowed to cold soak for
three days before fermentation is allowed to start. Lots are either inoculated or
allowed to ferment on their own, a decision we make once we assess the quality
of the incoming fruit. Once the alcoholic fermentation is complete, wines are
drawn into French oak barrels (about 30% new) where they complete the
malolactic fermentation and age on the fine lees until late spring. We aim to make
a Pinot Noir that is layered and complex, one that evolves in your glass and keeps
delivering new nuances. As with all of the Longboard wines, balance and elegance
is what we strive for.
This wine is a blend of both old-world clones and newer (Dijon) clones. We craft
it to have a harmonious matrix of bright red fruit character that blends into more
savory notes of mushrooms and smoked meats. The classic food pairing for this
wine is seared duck breast with a savory-sweet and salty sauce but it lends itself to many other food journeys including Salmon and many vegetarian dishes. Feel free to explore.
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir - clones 667 / pommard /115
100% Russian River Valley 13 months in French Oak barrels 30% new
Alcoho. 14.5% / pH 3.69 / TA 6.6g/L