Located on Westside Road in the heart of the Russian River Valley, Bucher Vineyard was founded in 1997 by John Bucher. After graduating from UC Davis, John returned to Healdsburg to manage the family dairy farm and soon diversified into wine grapes. Additional plantings followed in 1998, 1999, 2006, 2008, and 2009. Today, Bucher Vineyard consists of 38 acres of sustainably farmed grapes on the home ranch and 30 acres of leased vineyard just north on Westside Road. In addition to the estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, John now farms Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Grenache.

The 2023 growing season for Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley was defined by unique weather patterns that created an exceptional vintage. Morning fog and coastal breezes kept the vines cool, resulting in slow ripening and extended hang time that pushed harvest dates much later than usual. Overall, 2023 is considered an outstanding year for Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, with wines showing elegance, aromatic complexity, freshness, and concentration that reflect the benefits of this extended, cool growing season.

An enticing nose of plum preserves and muted cherry mingles with fragrant notes of violet and incense. The expressive, smooth entry showcases seamlessly integrated flavors of ripe cherry, mulberry and boysenberry laced with faint traces of loamy earth and forest floor. A touch of red licorice, vanilla and caramel mocha appear late, gently adding complexity as the flavors linger long. A quintessential example of a Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley’s Middle Reach.