2018 La Familia Pinot Noir

91 Points - California Grapevine

94 Points - Prince of Pinot

5 Stars - Restaurant Wine

THE VINEYARD

Dutton Ranch farms more than 80 separate vineyards in the Russian River Valley. The Kozlowski Family Vineyards is located in the heart of Green Valley and the home of Tracy Dutton's family, who have five generations of farming history in Sonoma County. Prior to being a vineyard, the Kozlowski land was once the largest raspberry patch in Northern California. The vineyard was planted to Pommard, Swan, and Dijon 115 clones in 1998, but only Pommard is used to make our classic Pinot Noir. 

THE WINEMAKING

As 2018 was a cooler growing year, we were able to leave fruit on the vine a bit longer and harvest in mid-September. After a 5 day cold-soak, RC212 yeast was used and daily hand punch downs applied to gently release color. The wine went through full malolactic fermentation in a mixture of French oak barrels, 45% new, which imparted different flavors of spice to the wine. The Pommard clone results in deep, beautiful color and a more medium-bodied Pinot full of dark red fruit. 

TASTING NOTES

Bold red in the glass, the nose wafts of fragrant red fruit, predominantly cherry and plum, which gives way to essences of tobacco and leather. This wine fills the palate and follows through on cherry, plum, and a touch of berry on the finish. The finish is plush and silky, inviting another sip of this classic Russian River Pinot Noir. La Familia would be ideal with grilled meaty fish, such as salmon or swordfish.