Barnett Vineyards, Pinot Noir Tina Marie Vineyard, Russian River 2021 750ML
Russian River Pinot: While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.
Winery Tasting Notes: The 2021 Tina Marie is fragrant upon popping the cork. This beautiful ruby red incredibly fragrant wine is immediate with pomegranate, white chocolate, and black pepper. There are also underpinning elements of cherry pit, spring rain and gravel minerality. The viscosity is always richer than the color might denote. The palate has riper red fruit while the minerality is more prevalent. Here the richer palate is balanced by the soft but present tannins, where every year the acidity is spot on.