Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Ruby color with aromas of red fruits, floral notes and spice. On the palate flavors of cherry and strawberry with spice. Fine dusty tannins, medium finish ending with fruit, spice and a slight earthy character. Ok, but I’m not a fan of Amici wines.

Ruby color with aromas of red fruits, floral notes and spice. On the palate flavors of cherry and strawberry with spice. Fine dusty tannins, medium finish ending with fruit, spice and a slight earthy character. Ok, but I’m not a fan of Amici wines.

Ruby color with aromas of red fruits, floral notes and spice. On the palate flavors of cherry and strawberry with spice. Fine dusty tannins, medium finish ending with fruit, spice and a slight earthy character. Ok, but I’m not a fan of Amici wines. This one is a bit pricey!

Ruby color with aromas of red fruits, floral notes and spice. On the palate flavors of cherry and strawberry with spice. Fine dusty tannins, medium finish ending with fruit, spice and a slight earthy character. Ok, but I’m not a fan of Amici wines. This one is a bit pricey!

Amici Cellars – Reserve – Pinot Noir / 2024
Russian River Valley – Sonoma County – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A step up in intensity and depth from the 2023 vintage, this 2024 Reserve Pinot Noir delivers a more expressive and layered profile while maintaining the signature balance of Russian River Valley. A vintage that leans slightly more powerful, yet remains polished and precise.

Aromas & Flavors
More pronounced and aromatic than the previous vintage, deep red cherry, black cherry, and raspberry lead, followed by baking spice, subtle vanilla, and a touch of earthy undertones. The nose is lifted, expressive, and immediately engaging.

Mouthfeel
Medium+ body with greater depth and presence. The texture is silky yet more structured than 2023, with refined tannins and vibrant acidity providing lift and direction. The finish is longer, more persistent, and confidently balanced.

Food Pairings
Duck breast, roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or herb-driven dishes with earthy components.

Verdict
A more impactful and expressive evolution of the 2023 vintage. Enhanced aromatics, deeper flavor concentration, and a longer finish make this a standout while preserving elegance and drinkability.

Did You Know?
Vintage variation in Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is heavily influenced by fog patterns and temperature swings, small shifts can significantly impact aromatic intensity and flavor depth, as clearly reflected in this 2024 vintage.

🍷 Personal Pick
This one hits different. Being part of this vintage during my time at Amici Cellars (wine boot camp), it adds a layer of connection that goes beyond the glass. More aromatic, deeper, and more expressive than the 2023, this is a vintage I experienced from both sides, and it shows beautifully.

Amici Cellars – Reserve – Pinot Noir – 2023
Russian River Valley – Sonoma County – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A highly aromatic and expressive Russian River Valley Pinot Noir that leans generous yet remains fresh. The 2023 vintage shows immediate charm, with fruit-forward appeal on opening and added complexity after some air. Crafted to be enjoyed now, while still offering short- to mid-term aging potential.

Aromas & Flavors
Dark cherry leads the profile, followed by ripe red berries and subtle baking spice. With air, cinnamon notes emerge alongside cranberry and red plum, adding warmth and depth without tipping into excess sweetness.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with uplifting, refreshing acidity. Initially plush, then tightening slightly with aeration, revealing better balance and precision. The finish is clean, energetic, and lingering.

Food Pairings
Roast chicken, duck breast, grilled salmon, mushroom dishes, pork tenderloin, or soft to semi-firm cheeses.

Verdict
An approachable yet well-structured Pinot Noir that delivers immediate pleasure. Give it some time in the glass and it rewards with added nuance and freshness. Ready to drink, with enough backbone to evolve gracefully.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is RRV Pinot with backbone. Structured, layered, and quietly sophisticated once it opens up.

Home. Solid Pinot

Amici Cellars — Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023 — Sonoma County, California. United States 🇺🇸

Overview:
A more robust and concentrated expression of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, crafted entirely from Pinot Noir and positioned above Amici’s standard RRV bottling. This Reserve release leans into deeper fruit intensity, layered complexity, and extended structure while still preserving the elegance and freshness that define the AVA.

Aromas & Flavors:
Dark cherry, blueberry, ripe red berries, subtle baking spice, gentle savory notes, and evolving pepper nuance with air.

Mouthfeel:
Medium-bodied with mid-to-low tannins, excellent balance, and a long, persistent finish. Initially shows a touch of jammy richness that settles beautifully after about 30 minutes of air, revealing greater precision, lift, and savory complexity.

Food Pairings:
Duck breast, roast chicken, pork loin, mushroom risotto, herb-driven pasta, grilled salmon, aged semi-soft cheeses.

Personal Pick:
I love how this wine opens up with patience, that short window of air transforms it from plush to polished and really showcases the layered personality of Russian River Pinot. A bottle that rewards slowing down and paying attention.

Verdict:
A confident, layered Reserve Pinot delivering depth, elegance, and real complexity. While priced above everyday bottlings, the quality and sourcing justify the investment.

🍷 Did You Know?:
Fruit sourcing in Russian River Valley commands premium pricing due to limited vineyard availability, cool-climate farming risks, and consistently high demand from top Pinot producers.

Elegant from start to finish, it’s rich aromas of black cherry, spices, and orange peel. Beautiful dark violet shade.

Bob had this 7 years ago