De Loach OFS Pinot Noir Russian River Valley California

To create the Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, grapes were hand-harvested from DeLoach vineyards. Crafted using traditional Burgundian techniques, including fermentation in small tanks, hand punch-downs and ageing in 60-gallon French oak barrels, this Pinot Noir is an elegant example of this varietal. The cool, foggy Russian River Valley climate allows for slow ripening, enabling the grapes to develop full flavour maturation over an extended time. As a result this wine offers classic Russian River Valley aromas of cola with dark fruit and notes of barrel spice. Flavours of black cherry, violet and a note of cinnamon unfold on the palate as the silky smooth, supple finish glides across the palate. The Russian River Valley has come to be known as 'America's Burgundy,' and DeLoach is proud to have been an important factor in this distinction. Purchased by Boisset in 2003 and the appointment of new winemaker Greg La Follette marked the start of their return to form for DeLoach. Greg is a Pinot specialist, as his background would suggest, and these are the wines that are the most distinctive in the De Loach range. (12 x 75 cl)

Ambrosial scents greet you from the glass; ripe fruit flavours of Bartlett pear, Macintosh apple and Meyer lemon offer substantial counterpoints to beautifully suggestive French oak components of cinnamon, nutmeg, and hazelnut. This mouthwatering wine shows a delightful complexity, while the rich, creamy mid-palate is framed by a well-balanced acid tannin structure leading to a brilliant clean finish that leaves you wanting more. Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a blend of several premium vineyards located within three miles of the winery in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Carefully tended vines yield fruit of exemplary quality and this white wine it is a pure expression of Russian River Valley terroir. The juice was fermented in a combination of stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels. The barrel fermented portion of wine was then aged for 8 months in French oak to produce an intricately layered wine with delicate nuances of fruit and oak. The Russian River Valley has come to be known as 'America's Burgundy,' and DeLoach is proud to have been an important factor in this distinction. Purchased by Boisset in 2003 and the appointment of new winemaker Greg La Follette marked the start of their return to form for DeLoach. (12 x 75 cl)

J Vineyards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley California from USA, California, Russian River Valley by J Vineyards (12 x 75 cl)

Jackson Wine Estates LA CREMA Pinot Noir Russian River Valley California from USA, California, Russian River Valley by Jackson Wine Estates (6 x 75 cl)

Part of Jackson Wine Estates, La Crema winery was founded in 1979 and quickly established itself as a pioneer for intensely flavoured Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Russian River Valley is home to La Crema and the moderating conditions are ideal for cultivating Pinot Noir with naturally bright acidity and concentrated black cherry fruit flavours. Hand-picked Pinot Noir grapes from cool climate vineyards are delivered to the winery in small half ton bins to protect the integrity of the fruit. Once in the winery the belt delivery system with sorting table purges damaged fruit so that 70% retention of whole berries before fermenting takes place for greater fruit expression. Next a four day, cold soak before fermentation is undertaken enhances soft tannins, next open top fermentation with punch-downs four times daily occurs to extract colour. Aged takes palce for nine months in 100% French oak barrels that refines the finish and the wine is then bottled unfiltered and unfined to express the pure character of Pinot Noir. Winemaker Melissa Stackhouse had the following comments to make about this wine: 'Flavours are focused on dark fruits; blackberry, plum and black cherry with hints of coffee, clove and subtle exotic spices.The tannins are broad and offer a lingering juicy fruit finish.' (6 x 75 cl)

Named after the late patriarch of the Torres family, it is located in the Russian River/Green Valley, one of Sonoma County's coolest growing regions. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides an extended growing season and allows the grapes to develop slowly to full intensity. Yields are low and labour is intensive, but the vines live longer and produce grapes with greater concentration of flavours, more refined and elegant aromas, and better balance. The grapes were harvested with each clone and parcel picked being vinified separately in small stainless steel tanks. After minimal crushing, with about 15% whole clusters, the berries were ''punched down'' for gentle extraction of color and tannin. The wine was aged in French oak barrels then bottled unfiltered. The vineyard's 30 acres of Pinot Noir are planted with five different clones, yielding wines with complex layers of flavor. The Pinot Noir blend included 26% Pommard, 23% Dijon 115, 20% Cristina 88, 18% Swan, 9% Lee, and 4% Dijon The nose is a harmonious blend of the five clones, displaying elegant raspberry/black cherry fruit that is a classic expression of Pinot Noir. The scent of French oak compliments the engaging aromas and adds a hint of cinnamon and spice. On the palate the wine is soft and supple, well balanced and round. The velvety structure and firm tannins augur a long ageing potential. (6 x 75 cl)

Papapietro Perry’s foundation is a long friendship among work colleagues with common interests and a driving passion to make fine wine. Ben Papapietro and Bruce Perry met during their careers with the San Francisco Newspaper Agency, publisher of the San Francisco Chronicle and Examiner. As their friendship developed, they discovered they both came from families where Grandpa’s homemade wine was as common on the dinner table as vegetables from Mom’s garden. Their interest in wine spilled into another friendship at work, this time with Burt Williams, a pressman and co-founder of Williams Selyem Winery. In the ‘70s, Ben helped Bert make garragista wine in Bert's garage in Sonoma County. After Williams Selyem was started, Ben and Bruce helped out each year at harvest—and were seriously bitten by the wine bug. In 1980, Ben began producing his own garragista wines and Bruce joined him a few years later. Inspired by his love of French Burgundies, Ben began making Pinot Noir, diligently seeking high-quality grapes to produce his favorite varietal. By 1990, Ben was purchasing Pinot Noir grapes from some of the most highly-regarded Pinot producers in the Russian River Valley. After several years of hearing friends and family praise their homemade wines, in 1998 Ben and Bruce took the plunge and produced their first commercially available Pinot Noir. Although the first release was only 75 cases, it marked the launch of Papapietro Perry Winery. The Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a blend from three carefully-selected vineyards in the appellation including Leras Family Vineyards, Elsbree Vineyards and Windsor Oaks. Although close in proximity each holds its own distinction Papapietro Perry Winery feel they are among the best the Russian River Valley has to offer. Medium-deep ruby colour with aromas of fruit, spice, smoke and earth. Flavours of red cherry, berry, spice, and minerals satisfy the palate while the sweet oak, solid structure, and firm tannins lead to a long and balanced finish. (12 x 75 cl)

Rochioli Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley California from USA, California, Russian River Valley by Rochioli Vineyards (12 x 75 cl)

Jackson Wine Estates LA CREMA Chardonnay Russian River Valley California from USA, California, Russian River Valley by Jackson Wine Estates (6 x 75 cl)