Russian River Pinot Noir 2022

Grown in sandy soils, the Pinot Noir vines of the Russian River cuvée benefit from a sustainable farming approach that prioritises respect for the environment and the preservation of biodiversity. This method allows each vine to fully absorb the essential nutrients from the soil for optimal development. The bunches are picked by hand in the middle of the night and fully destemmed, then ferment naturally with local yeasts, without pumping over. The wine then matures on its lees in barriques, 38% of them new, for nearly ten months before careful bottling, without fining or filtration. With its deep ruby hue, the Russian River Pinot Noir offers an intense bouquet dominated by aromas of pepper and cherry, enhanced by delicate floral notes. On the palate, it stands out for its exceptional richness and harmony, with subtle spicy nuances wrapped in a full, concentrated texture, leading to a long, complex finish. This cuvée shows excellent ageing potential.

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that boosted the California wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa region. At the start of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933 Prohibition destroyed the vast majority of the California wine industry so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained producing wine. It was only from 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition and California was primarily known for the production of fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous estates were created (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc...). In 1976, a significant event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris". He sees the greatest French wines opposing the new American wines. This May 24, an unexpected result shakes the world of wine, since to everyone's surprise, it is the United States which wins. However, this competition remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. Even though California largely monopolizes the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world and the state of Washington offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon.