Terlato Family Vineyards
2007 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley
Mission Briefing
The Brief
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Today’s 2007 Terlato Vineyards Russian River Pinot Noir is a limited-production, limited-availability delight that our entire tasting panel went absolutely crazy for. We’re certain that you will, too. Especially when you consider the fantastic price of the wine.
Tender and soft on the palate, this wine delivers a delicious and aromatic experience that we can’t get enough of. Literally!
Tasting Profile
| Look: | Garnet hues deepen as you look toward the burnt orange heart of the wine. After a hearty swirl, skinny legs fall from high up on the glass wall. |
|---|---|
| Smell: | Bing cherry juice, softly spiced raspberry candy, bramble and earthy aromas leap from the glass. After a few minutes of swirling, the wine reveals aromas of black cherry, flinty gunpowder, subtle sweetwoods and a hint of toasty vanilla. |
| Taste: | Cherry, wind strawberry, braised plum and subtle cranberry are out in front. As the wine breathes, it opens up and reveals follow-on flavors of cherry liquor, sweetwood, subtle bramble, silvery gunpowder and subtle dried leaves. |
| Finish: | Very long and very clean with sweet fruit that slowly fades to earthy spice and delightfully woodsy components. A subtle dryness gradually spreads around the entire palate, reminding you to take another delicious mouthful. |
| Pairing: |
What the Winery Says
Overview
The Russian River Valley is uniquely suited to the challenging yet rewarding Pinot Noir grape. The cool climate and evening fog allow for an extended growing season and the opportunity for Pinot Noir to reach its full flavor potential. This 2007 Pinot Noir is Burgundian in style with an elusive aroma of violets, raspberries and strawberries and a light, nicely acidic balance.
Tasting Notes
Color: Delicate jewel tones of medium ruby.
Aroma Red fruits (raspberries and strawberries) with hints of violets and spice.
Taste Lighter in style, the wine’s acidity frames it nicely and will pair well with pork, chicken and other white meats. Well-integrated tannins lead to a long, silky smooth finish.
Technical Info
Grape Variety/Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Alcohol Level: 13.8%
Length/Type of Fermentation: 12 days average primary fermentation with hand punch downs several times per day. Malolactic fermentation was performed in barrels, and the wine was aged on its lees until racked for bottling.
Length/Type of Aging: 10 months in 100% French Oak, 40% new. The barrels are specially created in Burgundy for the Pinot Noir grape and are slightly toasted.
Ratings
91 Points, 2007 Sante, 90 Points, 2007 Wine Review Online
About the Winery
After 50 years in the wine industry, wine is still an inspiration for me. Every vintage brings an anticipation and excitement. After all, it’s a new birth.
When I discovered Pinot Grigio in Italy, I was taken by its fresh aromas, its crispness, freshness and the way it paired effortlessly with foods. It was virtually unknown when I brought it to the United States in 1979. Not surprisingly, an entire nation of wine drinkers embraced Pinot Grigio for the same reasons I did. Today Pinot Grigio is the most requested wine in fine restaurants, and Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is the quality leader for the varietal. The U.S. was introduced to a new wine, as well as a new level of quality from Italy. I still feel about it today the same way I did the first time I tasted it.
The Syrah from the Rhone Valley, dense, rich and aromatic, immediately captured my fascination as well. It was a wine that could stand alongside the best of another classic, Cabernet Sauvignon, because the taste profiles were similar: dense, rich and aromatic. We have fashioned our Syrah along those same lines.
Of course, like most wine lovers, I’ve had a lifelong love affair with Bordeaux, the aristocracy of red wines, a blend of classic varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Angels’ Peak is the first of three blends we will introduce.
When we decided to become vintners, our winemaking team found the right soil, and climate conditions that suited our needs. We planted some vineyards, bought others and Terlato Family Vineyards was born. It is small venture, but a sincere tribute to the wines and winemakers who have inspired us for decades.
My regard for these winemakers is as artists and dreamers. I know this is true because now as a winemaker myself. I want Terlato Family Vineyards to stand among the finest wines in the world, with those crafted by my friends.