2019 Thomas Road Vineyard Pinot Noir

91 Points |  Wine Spectator

4.5 Stars - Restaurant Wine - "The 2019 Thomas Road is also a very fine wine, in a medium rich, complex style. It is full bodied, well balanced, and youthful, with excellent flavor (black cherry, kola nut, black tea, rose petal, oak), and a long finish. Still evolving; better in 2024, and beyond. Great value."

THE VINEYARD

Dutton Ranch farms more than 80 separate vineyards in the Russian RiverValley. The Thomas Road vineyard is located in the Northeast of the Green Valley sub-AVA and represents a true "wine of place". This is a single clone vineyard with two trellising systems, which results in different fruit set and yields. It is a certified Sonoma County Sustainably-Farmed and Fish Friendly vineyard.

THE WINEMAKING

The Thomas Road fruit was hand-harvested and cold-soaked for 3 days in stainless steel open top fermenters. The fruit was punched down once daily during the cold soak period and up to three times daily during primary fermentation. After undergoing full malolactic fermentation, the wine was racked to barrel to age in 50% new French oak for 11 months.

TASTING NOTES

The deep ruby color of the Thomas Road is consistent with previous vintages,which speaks to the both the winemaker style and the vineyard properties. This opens with a whiff of currants that drift into forest floor aromas of mushroom, moss, and cedar; reminiscent of the nearby Armstrong woods on a cool morning. The truffle flavors on the palate are accentuated by plush tannins that make this a Cabernet lovers Pinot Noir. Food pairing opportunities are endless: venison, truffle pasta, and duck risotto would be excellent choices.