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Russian River Valley

Russian River Valley AVA is named for the river that meanders from Mendocino County in the north until it finally runs into the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco. The AVA is cool thanks to its proximity to the northern California coast and the river, and grape growers must learn to deal with regular fog. Nevertheless in recent decades the AVA has become one of the best in the state, meaning that its wines often earn excellent reviews and have considerable cachet. The AVA status was awarded in 1983 and today the appellation has 15,000 vineyard acres. Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape though Pinot Noir has also been very successful in recent decades. Russian River Valley Pinot Noir are known for being rich, lush and filled with concentrated fruit and berry flavors. Russian River Pinot Noirs are today considered some of the best domestic Pinot Noirs.

1995 De Loach Vineyards OFS Zinfandel

Label condition issue

WS  92   
RP  90   

1995 De Loach Vineyards Papera Ranch Zinfandel

Label condition issue

2010 Benziger Signaterra Shone Farm Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

Light label condition issue

2017 Sonoma-Cutrer Founders Reserve Pinot Noir (Screwcap)

2016 La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Nior

2005 Capiaux Freestone Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir

Light label condition issue

1995 Capiaux Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir

Lightly depressed cork; light label condition issue; light writing on label

1992 Marimar Torres Estate Don Miguel Vineyard Pinot Noir

Light capsule condition issue; label condition issue

2012 Small Vines Wines Estate Cuvée Pinot Noir

Light label condition issue

ST  91   
BH  91   
WE  90   
JR  16+    

1995 Mueller Emily's Cuvee Pinot Noir

Light label condition issue

2012 Virginia Marie Lambrix Stars Pinot Noir

2007 C. Donatiello Winery Hervey Vineyard Pinot Noir

1.5ltr

VN  92+    

2006 Carol Shelton Sweet Caroline Fanucchi Vineyard Trousseau Gris

375ml

Top shoulder fill

2000 Seven Lions Winery Hansen's Vineyard Pinot Noir

Light label condition issue

2017 Hook & Ladder Pinot Noir

1998 Keegan Pinot Noir

1.5ltr

Lightly depressed cork; light label condition issue

2019 Pont Neuf Wines La Vouge Pinot Noir

1.5ltr

2007 Oak Farm Vineyards Cuvee

Light capsule condition issue; light label condition issue

2005 Russian Hill Hospices of Sonoma Tara Vineyard Pinot Noir

Light label condition issue

2008 Halleck The Farm Vineyards Pinot Noir

2005 Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Pinot Noir

1.5ltr

Depressed cork

WE  90   

1997 Philip Staley Russian River Valley Grenache

1992 Chateau Beaux Hauts En Tirage Extra Brut

Light label condition issue; en tirage over 17 years

2017 McIlroy Cellars Aquarius Ranch Chardonnay

Light label condition issue

2011 Wine Guerrilla Forchini Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel (Screwcap)