Country: U.S.A.

Region: Russian River Valley

Vintage: 2019

Cépage: Pinot Noir (100%)

Size: 750 ml

Rating(s): 96 (RP); 97 (JD)

Original Wood Box Included.  Bottle #702 of 1,180 produced.

"Older iron oxide driven soils in the area, mixed with gravel. The source for our Cuvée Natalie Pinot Noir since 2006. One of the rare uplifts of older iron oxide driven soils in the area, mixed with gravel, which creates an exceptional growing medium for Pinot Noir. Produces a consistently elegant, perfectly weighted wine marked by red wild berry and floral notes, a rose petal like textural complexity and striking perfumes.

(The 2019 Cuvee Natalie is)... Ruby red-purple. Refined fragrance of violets, ripe dark wild raspberries and blackberries, pomegranate, tea leaves, sage and site-specific iron shavings. Annually charactered by soft red rose petals (in texture as much as aroma) and that polished silken nature is ever-present in this vintage. Full to medium fruit bodied and gracefully concentrated yet open knit, and layered. A lovely presence on the palate, poised, with a resounding sense of intensely focused purity. Bright and energetic natural acidity and soft, refined and fine-grained tannins add lift and gentle pull through the finish.

-Steve Kistler

"The 2019 Pinot Noir Cuvee Natalie is just slightly lighter in color yet still has a healthy ruby, semi-opaque hue. Made from a mix of Calera and Swan clones and from a cooler terroir, it's more aromatic and complex, with wild strawberry and cherry fruits, notes of forest floor, sappy flowers, incense, and sandalwood, medium body, beautiful tannins, and a gorgeous finish. This is another brilliant Pinot Noir from winemaker Jason Kesner that ranks with the finest in California and France."

Jeb Dunnuck (JD)