Matrix Winery located on Westside Road in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma makes wine from a number of different varietals. Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah are each part of their portfolio. First and foremost however they’re a Pinot Noir House. They make a host of small lot, single vineyard efforts and Cuvee’s from fruit sourced at local vineyards within their own appellation. Today I’ll look at one of their reserve tier wines from the famed Bacigalupi Vineyard.
The Matrix Winery 2009 Bacigalupi Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir is a single vineyard effort produced exclusively from fruit sourced at the namesake vineyard. Bacigalupi Vineyard was planted in 1995 and 2003 to the 667 and Wadensville Clones. After hand harvesting the grapes were fermented in small open top vessels utilizing native yeasts. This Pinot Noir spent 18 months aging in French oak. It was bottled unfined. A mere 124 cases of this offering were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $52.
Aromas of cherry and earth abound on the nose of this 2009 Pinot Noir. The palate is rich, deeply layered and loaded with complex flavors. Fresh cherry and raspberry pie characteristics dominate with hints of jammy fruit representing secondary flavors. Rhubarb, continued raspberry and spice in the form of black pepper, nutmeg and clove all emerge on the finish. This wine has excellent length, firm structure and racy acidity. While its tasty on it’s own I would recommend pairing this with roasted meats, mushroom based dishes or funky, full flavored cheeses. If you have the patience to cellar this Pinot it’ll age gracefully for the next 8 or so years. This is a wonderful example of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.