2023 Pont Neuf Royal Chardonnay Russian River Valley

2023 Pont Neuf Royal Chardonnay Russian River Valley

with No Comment $60-$70ChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

Pont Neuf

Pont Royal Chardonnay
Russian River Valley 2023

2023 Pont Neuf Royal Chardonnay Russian River Valley

Pont Neuf’s Pont Royal Chardonnay is a masterful expression of Russian River Valley terroir, seamlessly marrying California’s opulent fruit with the restraint of great Burgundian wines. This Chardonnay doesn’t simply impress—it enchants, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to experience it.

At the helm of this artistry is Douglas Danielak, a winemaker whose deep reverence for Burgundian tradition shapes every nuance of his craft. A graduate of UC Davis with further training at the Lycée Agricole et Viticole de Beaune, Danielak employs a low-intervention philosophy, allowing the vineyard’s voice to shine. Native yeasts, meticulous bâtonnage, and a slow, deliberate malolactic fermentation yield a wine that is both texturally sumptuous and vibrantly pure.

The 2023 vintage is a radiant testament to this vision. It unfolds in layers of golden-hued complexity, where Meyer lemon, white peach, and toasted hazelnut intertwine with hints of crushed rock and delicate spice. A luminous thread of acidity lends tension and precision, balancing the wine’s sumptuous depth with an elegance that lingers long on the palate. Pont Royal Chardonnay delivers a harmonious interplay of richness and restraint, destined to captivate all who discover it.

Pont Neuf
Pont Royal Chardonnay
Russian River Valley 2023
Retails at: $70

Your Price: $65

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“The Pont Neuf 2023 “Pont Royal” Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley elegantly balances the finesse of French Burgundy with the richness of California fruit. Aromas of ripe apricot and nectarine intertwine with white blossoms, a touch of orange zest, and a refined mineral character reminiscent of wet stones. On the palate, subtle nuances of golden apples, toast, vanilla, chantilly, and crème brûlée add layers of depth. The wine’s concentrated flavors unfold gracefully on the palate, leading to a long, silky finish.”

95 Points

2022 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2022 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

with No Comment $60-$70Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

Paul Hobbs

Pinot Noir 2022
Russian River Valley

2022 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Paul Hobbs masterfully captures the essence of the Russian River Valley in his 2022 Pinot Noir, showcasing the vibrant character and alluring qualities of this celebrated varietal.

Renowned as a visionary in the wine world, Hobbs, often compared to Steve Jobs for his innovative approach, began his journey with Robert Mondavi at the pioneering Opus One. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Chemistry and a Master’s in Viticulture and Enology, he built a career that has shaped the wine industry.

In 1991, Paul Hobbs embarked on his independent path, driven by a bold vision. He sought out legendary vineyard owners Larry Hyde and Richard Dinner, securing five tons of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These grapes formed the foundation of his inaugural releases, establishing Paul Hobbs Winery as a beacon of quality and innovation. His Appellation Tier wines reflect his philosophy of blending exceptional vineyard sources into a single, harmonious expression.

The 2022 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir exemplifies Hobbs’ meticulous craftsmanship. This wine unveils concentrated fruit flavors interwoven with remarkable complexity and depth—each sip an unfolding journey of sensory delight. Awarded an impressive 95 points, this Pinot Noir invites wine lovers to experience the magic of Hobbs’ artistry and the extraordinary character of the Russian River Valley.

Paul Hobbs
Pinot Noir 2022
Russian River Valley
Retails at: $80

Your Price: $69.99

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“Sliced strawberry with bark and stone with some sand undertones. Graphite. Medium-bodied, tight and focused with spices such as pepper and bark. Flavorful finish. Drink now or hold.”

95 Points

2022 EnRoute Pinot Noir Les Pommies Russian River Valley

2022 EnRoute Pinot Noir Les Pommies Russian River Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

EnRoute

Pinot Noir 2022
Les Pommiers
Russian River Valley

2022 EnRoute Pinot Noir Les Pommies Russian River Valley

Crafted with the artistry and precision synonymous with the Far Niente family of wines, the 2022 EnRoute Les Pommiers Pinot Noir weaves a tale of place, passion, and expertise. Conceived to showcase the unique character of single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, this wine embodies the elegance of the Russian River Valley, reflecting the unparalleled craftsmanship that defines Far Niente Wine Estates.

Each vintage embarks on a journey, beginning with EnRoute’s Estate vineyards and extending through partnerships with growers who share their unwavering commitment to quality. These collaborations yield a Pinot Noir as layered and complex as the vineyards themselves. The 2022 vintage, sourced from three coveted Russian River Valley sites, thrived under near-perfect growing conditions.

Aged in French oak, the wine unfolds with a seamless harmony of bright cherry and raspberry fruit, nuanced spice, and lively acidity. The result is a graceful, polished finish that lingers invitingly, beckoning the next sip and celebrating the remarkable terroir of this iconic region.

EnRoute
Pinot Noir 2022
Les Pommiers
Russian River Valley
Retails at: $60

Your Price: $48

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“Vibrant ruby in color, this wine erupts from the glass with aromas of sweet cinnamon, cola and cherry. There is a charming delicacy here, with flavors of dried rose petal, cherry and berry pie filling on a midweight palate. A captivating dance between the snappy tannin structure and the lively acidity of this wine lead to a very pleasurable finish.”

93 Points

2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSAZinfandel

Limerick Lane

Zinfandel 2021
Russian River Valley

2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

Limerick Lane stands as a beacon for classic American Zinfandel, where tradition meets innovation to honor the soul of this noble varietal. Renowned for crafting fresh, focused, and impeccably balanced wines, Limerick Lane brings Zinfandel’s unique character to life, showcasing vibrant fruit, complex layers, and a profound sense of place.

This historic estate has remained deeply rooted in its heritage for over a century, committed to sustainable farming practices and a thoughtful approach to viticulture. By relying on minimal, strategic irrigation, their vineyards produce fruit of unparalleled concentration and aromatic depth, reflecting their harmonious relationship between land and vine.

Winemaker Chris Pittenger intentionally curates the vineyard composition of each vintage, seeking out fruit to create the most balanced wine possible. The 2021 vintage embodies the spirit of the Russian River Valley, with perfectly ripe, bright fruit accented by refreshing acidity and an ideal balance of flavors.

Limerick Lane
Zinfandel 2021
Russian River Valley
Retails at: $46

Your Price: $42

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“A bright saturated ruby, the 2021 Zinfandel Russian River Valley is lifted with fresh aromas of candied peach, grenadine, and pressed red flowers. Medium to full-bodied, with great energy in its notes of fresh mixed berries, gravelly earth, and mocha, it’s an elegant wine with fine tannins, a stony texture, and a good, clean finish. It’s a fantastic entry to the wines from Limerick Lane to drink over the next several years.”

93 Points

2022 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2022 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

Walter Hansel

Pinot Noir 2022
The South Slope Vineyard
Russian River Valley

2022 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

With every vintage, Walter Hansel sets a new standard for California Pinot Noir, offering the kind of elegance and complexity typically reserved for California’s most prestigious producers—yet at a refreshingly accessible price. The 2022 South Slope Pinot Noir is no exception, capturing the essence of the Russian River Valley with layers of vibrant fruit, seamless texture, and remarkable balance.

The story of Walter Hansel Winery is rooted in a deep passion for the land. Driven by a lifelong love for agriculture, Walter Hansel planted the first vines on their family estate with the help of his son, Stephen. What began as a father-son project in the 1980s evolved into a pursuit of winemaking excellence.

The Estate spans 80 acres of contiguous vineyards, with the South Slope at the highest elevation and furthest southern point. This plot, planted to the prized Clone 777, produces wines known for their complex earthiness and depth. The 2022 South Slope Pinot Noir was aged in oak, allowing it to develop a rich, layered profile. Earning 94 points from Jeb Dunnuck, this wine is a shining example of the meticulous craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Walter Hansel
Pinot Noir 2022
The South Slope Vineyard
Russian River Valley

Your Price: $48

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“The 2022 Pinot Noir The South Slope Vineyard is made entirely from the Dijon clone 777 and pours a deep magenta hue. In the glass, it gives off a more floral perfume, with notes of violets, black raspberry coulis, sweet cedar, and mossy forest floor, and brighter fresh red fruit comes through on the palate. Medium-bodied, it reveals more focus on the palate, with a mouthwatering feel, and it has fine tannins and a light, salty finish. A very lovely wine, it’s going to reach its tenth birthday with ease if stored properly. 405 cases were produced.”

94 Points

2022 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Lands Edge Vineyards Sonoma Coast

2022 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Lands Edge Vineyards Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Hartford Court

Pinot Noir 2022
Land’s Edge Vineyards
Sonoma Coast

2022 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Lands Edge Vineyards Sonoma Coast

Poised within the picturesque town of Forestville, just a brief drive from the rugged Sonoma Coast, Hartford Court Winery has established a reputation for producing captivating wines from meticulously selected, single-vineyard sites. With a profound devotion to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they curate an extensive portfolio of over two dozen bottlings, each sourced from low-yielding vineyards. Each vineyard imparts its own distinctive character, showcasing the remarkable diversity of the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and beyond. Hartford Court’s meticulous approach transforms their admiration for Pinot Noir into wines embodying their origins’ beauty and nuance.

The 2022 Land’s Edge Vineyards Pinot Noir originates from two estate vineyards perched on the Sonoma Coast—Far Coast and Seascape—where the land meets the untamed Pacific Ocean. This proximity to the ocean imparts a unique character to the wine, harmoniously blending the bright, red fruit typical of California Pinot Noir with the coastal influence of oceanic salinity and wet stone minerality. With its vibrant acidity and lingering freshness, the 2022 vintage is a testament to the dramatic landscape from which it comes, capturing the essence of Sonoma’s coastal terroir.

Hartford Court
Pinot Noir 2022
Land’s Edge Vineyards
Sonoma Coast
Retails at: $55

Your Price: $45

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“From the far Sonoma Coast, the 2022 Pinot Noir Land’s Edge Vineyards was aged for 9 months in 32% new French oak barrels. In the glass, it displays a medium ruby color and offers expressive notes of red berries, cranberries, and juniper. There’s a good bit of reduction initially that benefits from a little air at this stage, but it starts to reveal darker notes as it opens, so I would recommend decanting if opening it on the young side. The palate has a wonderful, compact feel, with refreshing lift, fine tannins, and a snappy finish. I personally enjoy the bright and coiled energy that comes through in this one. It’s a lovely wine that is going to drink well over the next 15 years.”

94 Points

2018 Styler Pinot Noir Saucci Vineyard

2018 Styler Pinot Noir Saucci Vineyard

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

STYLER

2018 PINOT NOIR
SUACCI VINEYARD

2018 Styler Pinot Noir Saucci Vineyard
Styler focuses exclusively on cool-climate Pinot Noir with an emphasis on sustainability and site expression. Driven by a love for Pinot Noir and the desire to accurately reflect the grape’s origins by utilizing a hands-off winemaking approach, Styler partnered with UC Davis alumni Scott Rich to bring their dreams to fruition. Scott’s experience includes making wine at Morga Winery in Bel Air, Etude in Napa Valley, and Corpora in Chile.
 
This Pinot Noir arose from the Goldridge soils of Suacci Vineyard, where naturally low yields of tiny grape clusters powerfully reflect their origin with remarkable clarity and sophisticated balance. The 2018 vintage was aged 20 months in barrel, offering focused, concentrated fruit with savory intensity and elegant balance that creates a delightfully joyous experience from the first sip to the last.
 
STYLER
2018 PINOT NOIR
SUACCI VINEYARD
Retails at: $60
 
 
 
“The 2018 Styler Suacci Pinot Noir has a wonderfully unique combination of elements on the nose, including dried mushrooms, ripe red berries, spice cake, with light hints of glove leather, and orange blossoms. The palate is bright and concentrated with sweet strawberries, concentrated tart cherries, elegant florals, and baking spices. It finishes long and balanced, with the sweet fruit dancing perfectly in sync with the bright freshness.”
93 Points
2018 Jaclynn Renee Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2018 Jaclynn Renee Pinot Noir Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JACLYNN RENEE

2018 PINOT NOIR
BACIGALUPI VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2018 Jaclynn Renee Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
One of California’s most prized Vineyards, Bacigalupi consistently produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of outstanding and memorable quality. The Vineyard played a crucial role at the 1976 Judgement of Paris when Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, sourced from Bacigalupi, took 1st place, permanently binding California to the premium-quality world wine map. 
 
Winemaker Jackie Van Sant Downes of Jacklynn Rennee Winery is a hardworking, native Texan who moved to Sonoma in 2007 to pursue her passion for making balanced wines that shine with pure fruit. In this wine, she highlights a complementary balance between Pinot Noir clones Pommard and Wente, enchanting your taste buds with ripe red cherries, forest floor, and vanilla spice.
 
JACLYNN RENEE
2018 PINOT NOIR
BACIGALUPI VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 
Retails at: $54
 
 
 
“The 2018 Jaclynn Renée Bacigalupi Vineyard Pinot Noir has elegant aromas of fresh red cherries, raspberries, vanilla spice, dried herbs, and forest floor. The wine’s bright acidity accents the fruit flavors on the palate, giving life and energy, while the sweet spice and savory mushroom flavors perfectly round out the balance. The wine finishes with a zesty intensity that can enhance a meal or be enjoyed on its own.”
93 Points
2018 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2018 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPetaluma GapPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaSonoma CoastUSA

BLACK PINE

2018 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

2018 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Created to showcase the talents of hand-picked local growers and made in a lush, inviting style, hitting a sweet spot where complexity meets opulence, Black Pinot Pinot Noir is a constant in the value Pinot Noir section of our shop. After a culmination of outstanding efforts, it’s built a reputation of excellence and value, with its relentless quality and hard-to-resist style.
 
Combining fruit from Petaluma Gap, Russian River, and Sonoma Coast AVAs, Roger Roessler hand-selected each site for its unique contribution, resulting in a concentrated Pinot that hits a sweet spot with complexity, nuance, and lushness.
 
BLACK PINE
2018 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at: $30
 
Your Price: $24
 
 
“The Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2018 is a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with elegance and delicacy. It begins with red cherry, pomegranate, black currants, Mission figs, juniper berries, light florals, and a hint of spice. It is refreshing on the palate and is very easy-drinking, finishing with liquid minerals, an elegant focus, and satiny tannins. It is a delightful wine, particularly at its low price point.”
92 Points
2020 Joseph Jewell Rose Of Pinot Noir Slusser Vineyard Russian River

2020 Joseph Jewell Rose Of Pinot Noir Slusser Vineyard Russian River

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtRoséRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL

ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
SLUSSER VINEYARD
2020 RUSSIAN RIVER 

2020 Joseph Jewell Rose Of Pinot Noir Slusser Vineyard Russian River
Representing a singular expression of the people, place, and vintage, Joseph Jewell wines bring people together with easy approachability, conversation-driving quality, and powerful varietal character. They source from expressive, cool-climate vineyards that provide the ingredients necessary to create wines that stand out for their pristine balance and thoughtful sophistication. Their 2020 Rosé was a bright star at our tasting with piercing aromatics, mineral-intensity, and contagious energy, and at $24, it’s a superb value. 
 
Farmed by the same family for over 100 years, Slusser Vineyard is in the middle reach of the Russian River Valley, where Mark West Creek’s flooding resulted in intense minerality in the wines. 
 
Calling on 100% Pinot Noir, winemaker Adrian Jewell crafted this Rosé in a brightly focused style, highlighting the vineyard’s keen minerality and freshness of fruit that will leave your taste buds craving more.
 
JOSEPH JEWELL
ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
SLUSSER VINEYARD
2020 RUSSIAN RIVER
 
Your Price: $24
 
 
“Fruity and layered in waves of raspberry, strawberry and watermelon, this light, crisp wine delivers vibrant flavor and texture. Dried herb and a hint of lemongrass add complementary nuance and deliciousness.” 
91 Points