Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Wine: Taste, 8 Best Bottles (2024)

The Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, California is celebrated for some of the most sophisticated Pinot Noir (and Chardonnay) wines in the region. 

In this article, we’ll explore how Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is made, how it tastes, and some elegant bottles to add to your collection. We’ll also dig in a little about the Russian River Valley itself.

What Does Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Taste Like?

The Pinot Noir wine of Russian River Valley is a dry red, medium-bodied wine, noted for its aromatic, refined fruit flavor profile and a bolder character than a classic Pinot Noir.

Traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, light cherry, and raspberry are often accented by dark cherry, spice, spearmint, and the aroma of earthy forest. A silky tannin texture and balanced acidity create a smooth, seductive wine bound to delight any Pinot lover.

Want to know which are the best Russian River Pinot Noir wines you should try?

8 Amazing Russian River Pinot Noir Wines To Buy In 2024

Here’s a selection of fine vintages to enhance your collection:

1. 2013 Cirq Bootlegger's Hill Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($227)

Experience vibrant notes of blueberry, plum, black cherry, chocolate, dark spice, and new French oak - all perfectly balanced in a medium to full body with fine, velvety tannins.   

2. 2014 Rochioli West Block Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($150)

The 2018 Pinot Noir comes from vines planted in 1969. It dazzles with notes of dark cherry, lavender, black plum, spice, and a medium-bodied palate that is lush and ripe.

3. 2018 DuMOL Finn Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($229)

This delicate, vibrant 2018 vintage comes from the finest fruit of two neighboring vineyards. Discover the aroma of orange peel, sandalwood, blackberry, and a palate that spans the spectrum of red fruit to black.

4. 2016 Kosta Browne Bootlegger's Hill Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($177)

The spectacular 2016 vintage from Sonoma County is generous and memorable, with black cherry, cola, and Asian spice dancing on a rich, complex palate. A silky tannin structure and vibrant acidity contrast with brooding earthiness.

5. 2016 Williams Selyem Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($168)

This vintage is an expressive wine right out of the bottle, unfurling notes of raspberry, blueberry, wild strawberry, rose petal, orange peel with wood spice, and earth. Refreshing acidity integrates with a beautifully balanced palate of perfumed fruits and refined tannins. 

6. 2013 Rochioli Three Corner Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($177)

This beautiful Pinot Noir from the Rochioli vineyard is expressive, aromatic, and generous.

Find notes of dark cherry, plum, cola, violets, and baking spice complemented by a zesty acidity in this satiny, layered wine.

7. 2018 Kistler Vineyards Laguna Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($191)

The 2018 Russian River Pinot from the Laguna Ridge vineyard displays an opulent, dark fruit character combined with fresh elegance. Expect notes of raspberry, cherry, orange peel, and fragrant earth in the glass.

8. 2018 J Vineyards & Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($37)

This 2018 vintage Pinot Noir from J Vineyards & Winery is crafted from up to 100 individual small lots. Depth and expression emerge in a show of red fruit, blueberry, pomegranate, baking spice, and hints of smoke swirling on a layered, velvety palate. 

Let’s take a look at what food pairs well with Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. 

What Foods Pair with Russian River Valley Pinot Noir? 

Enjoy your Russian River Pinot Noir with duck, goose, and game birds. 

Carbonara pasta, hard cheeses, or marinated mushrooms make a good match too.

How is Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Made?

Let’s take the winemaking process of winemaker, J Vineyards, as an example:

Pinot Noir grapes are hand-harvested in whole grape clusters, destemmed, and gravity-fed into small open-top fermenters at the winery. After a 5-day cold soak, the resulting must is fermented for 7-10 days. 

The wine is then drained into barrels for malolactic fermentation in 100% French oak (about 30% new oak). 

Grapes from each vineyard, block of vines, and clone variety are handled separately until they’re blended into the final wine. This helps to upkeep the nuances of each terroir. 

Is Russian River Pinot Noir Like Willamette Valley Pinot Noir?

Pinot Noir from both Russian River Valley, California, and Willamette Valley, Oregon, are equally famous but stylistically different. Willamette Valley vines are far younger, planted in 1965, while Russian River Valley has cultivated this grape since the 1850s. 

Another Pinot Noir region not to be ignored is the smaller Anderson Valley, north of San Francisco. Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley tends to be leaner and more earthy than the plush Russian River Pinot Noir.

Here are some quick facts on this Californian wine region.

Quick Facts on Russian River Valley and Its Terroir

The Russian River Valley was granted AVA (American Viticultural Area) status in 1983. Most of California’s highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in this region.

1. Where Is the Russian River Valley AVA located?

The Russian River Valley AVA is located at the heart of California’s Sonoma County. It spans the area south of the town of Healdsburg to the San Pablo Bay in the west.  

Despite its name, the appellation doesn’t encompass the entire Russian River Valley. The small segment of the river valley within the AVA only begins near Healdsburg once the river leaves the Alexander Valley region.

2. What Is the Russian River Valley Terroir Like?

It’s one of the coolest regions in Sonoma, especially in its sub-appellation Green Valley, thanks to the fog traveling up the Russian River from the Sonoma Coast. This fog plays a big role in proper development of flavors, and is the differentiating feature of this appellation.

Fractured sandstone, sandy loam, limestone, volcanic rocks, and shale represent some of the varied soil where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes thrive. There is some Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc too. 

Experience the Russian River Terroir Through a Glass of Wine!

Elegant, luxurious Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is one for any wine enthusiast’s collection. With so many fine producers to choose from, you won’t run out of options any time soon. 

Curious to experience this lovely red wine or some crisp Russian River Chardonnay? 

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