Bruised strawberry, dry leaves, cherry cola. Rhubarb compote, baking spice, pomegranate juice. Fresh iris and violet, subtle vanilla and anise. Boysenberry snickerdoodle dunked in cranberry sauce and sprinkled with crumbled pie crust. Gold Ridge soil provides the umph in this forward & ripe yet structured wine. This 2016 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir by Hook & Ladder Winery is classic RRV Pinot.

The De Loach family has been growing wine grapes in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County California since 1970. They originally gained recognition as De Loach Vineyards but would eventually sell the property and name in 2003. Almost immediately after the sale the family went on to found Hook & Ladder Winery where they continued to pursue high quality wine production in the RRV. This bottling, crafted from 100% Pinot Noir sourced from various parts of the Hook & Ladder estate, is a wonderful example of the potential of Pinot Noir in this region. It exhibits typical rich & ripe fruit and cola tones while never abandoning the pursuit of structure and restraint. Beautiful complex spiced notes complete a full throttle and remarkably balanced attack. This stuff is certainly forward and friendly yet is far from simple or obvious. Fans of RRV Pinot should be well aware of what the Hook & Ladder team is putting out, especially considering the high pedigree and modest price tag.