Description

Valravn Sonoma County Pinot Noir ‘22

This expressive red is a definitive example of Sonoma County value, offering a sophisticated experience that rivals far more expensive bottlings. VARIETAL/BLEND INFORMATION: The wine is 100% Pinot Noir, composed of a thoughtful blend of terroirs: approximately 75% of the fruit hails from the Russian River Valley, providing a lush core, while the remaining 25% comes from the Sonoma Coast, including declassified barrels from the producer’s single-vineyard Marine Layer wines.

VINTAGE & TERROIR: The 2022 vintage marked the third year of drought in Sonoma, challenging the vines to dig deep and resulting in small berries with intense concentration. The Russian River Valley fruit contributes the wine's signature rich, briary bramble character, while the cool, fog-influenced Sonoma Coast parcels impart high-toned red fruit and a linear, structural backbone that balances the ripeness.

SENSORY DESCRIPTORS: In the glass, the wine displays a deep, inviting ruby hue. The nose is aromatic and generous, bursting with notes of Luxardo cherries, strawberry compote, and crushed violets, accented by secondary aromas of clove, cinnamon, and dried citrus peel. On the palate, this dry, medium-bodied Pinot Noir offers a "weighty" texture balanced by vivid acidity. Flavors of ripe black cherry and dark chocolate meld with a savory spice element, supported by creamy, well-integrated tannins that lead to a sleek, crunchy finish full of tension and energy.

WINEMAKING & FARMING: Winemakers Baron Ziegler and Rob Fischer prioritize hands-on, sustainable production. The grapes were hand-sorted and underwent a cold soak before fermentation with native, wild yeasts in small open-top stainless steel tanks. Notably, the team utilized 25% whole cluster inclusion to enhance the wine's spicy aromatics and structural complexity. Aging took place for ten months in French oak barrels (Francois Freres, Remond, and Rousseau), with approximately 20% new wood to add subtle baking spice notes without masking the fruit.

FOOD PAIRINGS: This versatile wine pairs effortlessly with American classics. Try it with cedar plank-grilled salmon, where the wine's acidity cuts through the fatty fish and the oak notes complement the cedar char. It also shines alongside a roasted chicken with herbs or a mushroom and gruyère pizza, as the earthiness of the mushrooms highlights the savory, brambly undertones of the Russian River fruit.

SCORES & AFFORDABILITY: The 2022 vintage has been well-received by critics, earning a 92-point "Editors' Choice" designation from Wine Enthusiast and 91 points from James Suckling, who praised its "creamy tannins and vivid acidity." Given its pedigree and the high costs typically associated with Russian River Valley fruit, this bottle represents an exceptional value in the marketplace.