Siduri Wines, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2018

($40):  Siduri, known for their single-vineyard bottlings of Pinot Noir has expanded their portfolio to include ones from a variety of vineyards.   In this case, the grapes come from throughout the Russian River Valley.  Compared to its Willamette Valley bottling, their Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is broader and riper, with dark fruit flavors.  There’s no bitterness in the finish in this plush suavely textured wine.  The slight increase in stated-alcohol (14.5 vs 14.3%) is noticeable by a hint of heat in the finish.  Overall, the greater power and ripeness reflects the warmer Russian River Valley sites compared to the Willamette.
88 Michael Apstein May 5, 2020