2015 Gunsalus Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

Pamela and Glen Gunsalus (“gun-say-lus”) are always in their vineyard, located on a west-facing slope in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley appellation. These two former researchers have great intuition backed up by scientific rigor and it shows in the quality of their grapes.

2015 was the fourth year of drought in California; the lack of winter rains so many years in a row resulted in very scant yields and thus, considerable concentration in the fruit. Weather during the growing season was wonderfully mild. Harvest was the earliest and fastest in recent memory.

An effusive cherry bouquet with hints of gardenia, white pepper, dried orange peel, boysenberry and tiny valentine hearts with a slate-like minerality is a fascinating introduction to this Russian River beauty. On the palate we find flavors of cherry cobbler, blackberry, lavender, licorice, sweet tobacco, spice and a briary rocky accent.