Upon tasting (and retasting!), we are reminded that this is the ultimate “this is why people fall for Russian River Pinot” bottling—generous, polished and just structured enough to feel serious. The estate blends multiple vineyards and clones to hit their house style: ripe black cherry and raspberry, cola and sarsaparilla spice and a little rose petal, plus forest floor and cocoa in the background lingering on the taut, savory finish.

On the palate it’s plush but not overdone—silky tannins, juicy red and black fruit and a long, warming finish that wears its new French oak with gorgeous restraint. It's a crowd‑pleasing, deeply flavored red that’s equally at home with roast salmon, duck or just a good movie and a couch!