River Road Vineyards
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
River Road Family Vineyards – Pinot Noir Reserve 2022
Russian River Valley – California 🇺🇸
Overview
From the heart of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, this Reserve Pinot Noir aims to showcase the elegance of the region but falls short of the depth typically expected from this prestigious AVA.
Aromas & Flavors
Light red cherries and cranberries upfront, with faint hints of pomegranate and tart raspberry. Minimal oak influence, with acidity taking the lead over fruit concentration.
Mouthfeel
Light-bodied and sharp, with brisk acidity and subdued tannins. The mid-palate feels thin, and the finish lacks the layered complexity that defines standout Russian River Pinot Noirs.
Food Pairings
Best suited with lighter dishes to balance the acidity: roast chicken, grilled salmon, or a simple mushroom flatbread.
Verdict
While fresh and easygoing, this Pinot doesn’t fully capture the lush berry depth and silky texture that Russian River Valley is known for. A casual sipper rather than a serious expression of the terroir.
Did You Know?
Russian River Valley is one of California’s most celebrated cool-climate regions for Pinot Noir, where the daily fog rolling in from the Pacific helps extend ripening and intensify flavors, something this bottle only hints at.
River Road Family Vineyards – Pinot Noir Reserve 2022
Russian River Valley – California 🇺🇸
Overview
From the heart of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, this Reserve Pinot Noir aims to showcase the elegance of the region but falls short of the depth typically expected from this prestigious AVA.
Aromas & Flavors
Light red cherries and cranberries upfront, with faint hints of pomegranate and tart raspberry. Minimal oak influence, with acidity taking the lead over fruit concentration.
Mouthfeel
Light-bodied and sharp, with brisk acidity and subdued tannins. The mid-palate feels thin, and the finish lacks the layered complexity that defines standout Russian River Pinot Noirs.
Food Pairings
Best suited with lighter dishes to balance the acidity: roast chicken, grilled salmon, or a simple mushroom flatbread.
Verdict
While fresh and easygoing, this Pinot doesn’t fully capture the lush berry depth and silky texture that Russian River Valley is known for. A casual sipper rather than a serious expression of the terroir.
Did You Know?
Russian River Valley is one of California’s most celebrated cool-climate regions for Pinot Noir, where the daily fog rolling in from the Pacific helps extend ripening and intensify flavors, something this bottle only hints at.