For years a lot of the Pinot Noir in California was grown in some questionable (for Pinot) locations. Over time vineyard managers and winemakers learned more about the unique spots that are best for this legendarily finicky grape. One appellation that was long ago indentified as a Pinot Noir haven is the Russian River Valley. Today I’ll look at a trio of new releases from Matrix Winery.
The Matrix Winery 2009 Buoncristiani Vineyard Pinot Noir was made using Russian River Valley Fruit. This is a single vineyard effort made entirely from Pinot Noir. The Buoncristiani Vineyard which was planted in 2002, and sits 150 feet above sea level, features clones 115 and 777. After hand harvesting the fruit was fermented utilizing native yeasts. Barrel aging took place over 19 months in French oak. 199 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $36.
Aromas of cherry, spice, earth and mushroom are all present on the nose of this Pinot Noir. Fruitcake spices, strawberry, and plum flavors are all in evidence through the palate which has nice depth. Rhubarb and sour cherry highlight the finish which is long and warming. Red fruits star and are tinged by hints of black. This is a classic example of Russian River Pinot Noir. It’s delicious all by itself and will pair well with a wide variety of foods.
The Matrix Winery 2009 Bacigalupi Vineyard Pinot Noir was produced using Russian River Valley Fruit. This is a single vineyard effort with all of the fruit sourced at the namesake vineyard. This offering is 100% Pinot Noir. The Bacigalupi vineyard which was planted in 1995 and 2003 features 2 clones, 667 and Wadensville. After being hand picked the fruit was fermented utilizing native yeast. The wine was aged over a period of 18 months in French oak. 199 cases were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $38.
Bright red cherry aromas fill the nose of this 2009 Pinot Noir. Hints of cedar and herb are in evidence as well. Strawberry, cherry and earth are joined by vanilla bean throughout the flavorful palate. Black cherry and rhubarb are both on hand through the finish which has good length. This wine is balanced by fine acidity. It drinks particularly nicely on its own and will also complement food. However, it’s a particularly nice bottle to sit in the corner and contemplate life with. It’s a little tight out of the bottle showing its youth. If you’re drinking it now I recommend decanting it for 90 minutes or so.
The Matrix Winery 2009 Nunes Vineyard Pinot Noir was made using Russian River Fruit. This single vineyard effort is made up of 100% Pinot Noir. The Nunes Vineyard was planted in 2000; it featurtes clones 115 and 777. Barrel aging took place over 18 months in all French oak. 199 cases of this release were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $42.
Aromas of dry wild strawberry and hints of green herbs fill the nose of this Pinot Noir. Cherry dominates the palate with both black and red fruits checking in; red raspberry is of particular note. The finish on this wine is quite long and loaded with spices, black tea and sour black cherry flavors. It has finely ground tannins and firm acidity making this a surefire bet with a vast multitude of different food styles. This wine is tasty now but is sure to be even better in a year or so. If you’re drinking it over the next 12 months, decant if for at least an hour for best results.
This is a fine group of releases from Matrix Winery. In addition to showcasing the appropriate nature of Russian River Valley as a bastion for Pinot Noir they also highlight the specific vineyards beautifully and distinctly. These are well priced, small lot wines that will each age nicely. In fact this entire trio, particularly the Nunes will really benefit from some additional time in the bottle. If you’re a fan of new world Pinot Noir these efforts from Matrix are worth your time and money.
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The Grooner – 2010 Grüner Veltliner was produced using fruit sourced in Austria’s Niederösterreich appellation. This offering is 100% Grüner Veltliner. This wine was made by Meinhard Forstreiter whose family has been making wine in this region since 1868. Under his stewardship the Winery has reached new heights in several aspects of their operation such as the implementation of sustainable farming practices. For the last several years he’s partnered with Monika Caha & Tony Silver from Caha selections to bring Grooner to the masses in the US. Their mission is to help educate the US consumer about this grape that they may be unfamiliar with and whose name they may have a difficult time pronouncing. The 2010 Grooner is widely available and has a suggested retail price of $13.
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Do you like Chardonnay? That’s a loaded question I know. Your answer is probably a return question asking what sort, or style of Chardonnay I’m talking about. There might not be another grape that is so wildly popular on the one hand and inspires so much debate on the other. The basic concept folks tend to wrestle with when it comes to this grape is oak treatment. What has become known in many circles as “California Style Chardonnay” is what really gets a lot of people talking. The trouble with that term is that it only describes a very small amount of Chardonnay from California. There are tons of different Chardonnays made in different styles with varying intent and incredibly divergent price-points. Some producers present a look into the differences in this grape within a single portfolio. One such producer is Sonoma County’s 
Apple pie aromas are joined by toast and hints of toffee on the layered and complex nose of this 2008 Chardonnay. Tropical fruits and hints of citrus appear on the palate which is loaded with apple and pear characteristics. Baked pie spices are plentiful as well. Minerals lead the lengthy finish which shows off toasty oak, bits of butter and a creaminess that brings to mind crème brulee. This wine is the epitome of California style Chardonnay; but to be crystal clear an example that is done remarkably well. The oak is well integrated but easily detectable and a key element like a prominent spice, however the fruit is still, as it should be the key. This wine is good on it’s own but excels paired with rich dishes.
Every country has a grape or style of wine that’s King. Napa has Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia has Shiraz. In Italy a couple of things come to mind immediately for wine lovers. But while Sangiovese based wines such as Chianti and Brunello get a lot of deserved attention, Barolo is the rock star. Today I’ll look at a new release Barolo from producer 
