2016 Eastside Ranch Pinot Noir - Vokel Cellars

Muddled dark cherry, blooming iris, strawberry pie. Raspberry compote, earl grey tea, candied orange. Monterrey pine and forest floor, warm nutmeg and baking spice. Ripe blackberry, blueberry, and cranberry dominate an expressive fruit-driven attack balanced pleasantly by a touch of natural essence in the form of white mushroom and undergrowth. Cola and spring violet emerge to complement bright floral sweetness complicated by tobacco leaf and root spice. Cinnamon, clove, and coriander reveal integrated oak treatment that plays wonderfully with the distinct impression of Goldridge sandy loam. Naturally beautiful without excess ripeness or oversaturation; well balanced and terroir expressive. Medium plus in body with elevated tannin and medium acidity. This 2016 Eastside Ranch Pinot Noir by Vokel Cellars is an impressive small production red from Sonoma's Russian River Valley.

Once a rural agricultural area dominated primarily by small family farms, the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County has exploded into once of California's most coveted and prestigious regions for viticulture. This bottling, crafted by Vokel Cellars using Pinot Noir sourced from the Eastside Ranch Vineyard, shows that despite an influx of large well-funded wineries small producers can still thrive in the RRV. While quite ripe, fleshy, and fruit-driven this wine remains terroir expressive and authentic, showcasing some of the old-school Russian River character that has made this region so well known. It is expressive, complex, and well made without gaudy manicures or makeup. A really wonderful micro-production Pinot here by Vokel.