Valravn, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, California 2023

The core of the Valravn Pinot Noir is from the Russian River AVA (about three-quarters), with Sonoma Coast fruit making up the balance.

Hand-sorted grapes undergo a cold soak in the cellar, followed by primary fermentation with 25% whole clusters in small open-top stainless steel tanks. Following primary, the wine transferred to a blend of French oak, including François Freres, Remond, and Rousseau barrels, about 20% of which are new, for ten months malolactic and aging.

A juicy, complex wine with persistent flavors of Luxardo cherries, strawberry compote, and spicy, floral notes. The Sonoma Coast parcels show the typical crunchy red fruits, while the Russian River fruit gives the briary bramble, all accented with spice from the whole cluster inclusion.

It is an unctuous wine with a weighty palate, excellent balance, and texture.