2023 Valravn Pinot Noir Sonoma County
93 Points Wine Enthusiast
The 2023 Valravn Pinot Noir is rooted in the Russian River AVA (85%) with a selection of declassified barrels from the winery’s Sonoma Coast AVA Marine Layer project (10%) and a unique parcel from the high-elevation Mendocino Ridge AVA (5%).
Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted and cold-soaked in the cellar. Wild yeast fermentation occurs with about 20% whole cluster inclusion in small open-top stainless steel tanks. Following primary fermentation, the wine is racked to new (about 20%), second-use, and neutral French oak barrels, including François Freres and Remond, for malolactic conversion and eleven months of aging.n
The wine has a dark ruby color and offers aromas of red and black fruits, accented by hints of baking spices. The coastal influence is evident, bringing a crisp freshness that complements the brambly, briar patch character. Flavors of cranberry and pomegranate contribute a rich texture that remains balanced, thanks to the cool-climate grapes’ taut, linear structure.
In scoring this wine a 93 Points, Tom Capo from Wine Enthusiast said, “Aromas of crushed Bing cherries, cranberry, cinnamon and rose petals drive the nose of this Pinot. The palate delivers flavors of fresh raspberry, sage, orange peel and crushed herbs, with powdery soft tannin and a vibrant streak of acid that energizes the finish.”
93 Points Wine Enthusiast
The 2023 Valravn Pinot Noir is rooted in the Russian River AVA (85%) with a selection of declassified barrels from the winery’s Sonoma Coast AVA Marine Layer project (10%) and a unique parcel from the high-elevation Mendocino Ridge AVA (5%).
Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted and cold-soaked in the cellar. Wild yeast fermentation occurs with about 20% whole cluster inclusion in small open-top stainless steel tanks. Following primary fermentation, the wine is racked to new (about 20%), second-use, and neutral French oak barrels, including François Freres and Remond, for malolactic conversion and eleven months of aging.n
The wine has a dark ruby color and offers aromas of red and black fruits, accented by hints of baking spices. The coastal influence is evident, bringing a crisp freshness that complements the brambly, briar patch character. Flavors of cranberry and pomegranate contribute a rich texture that remains balanced, thanks to the cool-climate grapes’ taut, linear structure.
In scoring this wine a 93 Points, Tom Capo from Wine Enthusiast said, “Aromas of crushed Bing cherries, cranberry, cinnamon and rose petals drive the nose of this Pinot. The palate delivers flavors of fresh raspberry, sage, orange peel and crushed herbs, with powdery soft tannin and a vibrant streak of acid that energizes the finish.”
93 Points Wine Enthusiast
The 2023 Valravn Pinot Noir is rooted in the Russian River AVA (85%) with a selection of declassified barrels from the winery’s Sonoma Coast AVA Marine Layer project (10%) and a unique parcel from the high-elevation Mendocino Ridge AVA (5%).
Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted and cold-soaked in the cellar. Wild yeast fermentation occurs with about 20% whole cluster inclusion in small open-top stainless steel tanks. Following primary fermentation, the wine is racked to new (about 20%), second-use, and neutral French oak barrels, including François Freres and Remond, for malolactic conversion and eleven months of aging.n
The wine has a dark ruby color and offers aromas of red and black fruits, accented by hints of baking spices. The coastal influence is evident, bringing a crisp freshness that complements the brambly, briar patch character. Flavors of cranberry and pomegranate contribute a rich texture that remains balanced, thanks to the cool-climate grapes’ taut, linear structure.
In scoring this wine a 93 Points, Tom Capo from Wine Enthusiast said, “Aromas of crushed Bing cherries, cranberry, cinnamon and rose petals drive the nose of this Pinot. The palate delivers flavors of fresh raspberry, sage, orange peel and crushed herbs, with powdery soft tannin and a vibrant streak of acid that energizes the finish.”