E16 Wines Russian River Valley Pinot Noir // 3 Bottles

Plums and dark meaty fruit pair up with spice and sweet earth notes in the E16 Wines Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. The flavors are true on the palate with a weighty middle mouth that is balanced by the perfect amount of acidity.

Plentiful sunshine and perfect temperatures combined to create what will be remembered as an extraordinary 2012 vintage in Northern California. The weather yielded layers of flavor and terrific structure in the grapes—which translated to excellent wine. The sun kept shining, with beautifully consistent daytime temperatures that hovered between 85 degrees and 90 degrees. Nights cooled off to the mid-50’s, preserving essential acidity in the grapes. We had the luxury of picking each vineyard exactly when desired without any pressure from inclement weather.

The 1880 designation acknowledges the year grapevines were first planted in the village of Trenton. The town center and general store are long gone, but Trenton is very much alive within the hearts and minds of the local community and grape growers along the Russian River. Also called “Trenton Station,” the picturesque area is situated at the northern end of Laguna Ridge and about eight miles east of where the river empties into the cold Pacific Ocean. Morning and afternoon fog are frequent visitors in a climate dominated by the cooling properties of the ocean and river, ensuring the development of beneficial grape acidity.

The signature Goldridge soils — dark yellow, fine sandy-loams over fractured sandstone — control vine vigor so that photosynthesis is directed at grape development versus excessive shoot growth. Relgnis Family Vineyards produces Pinot Noir grapes that are the hallmark of Russian River Valley. Clone 667 on 101/14 rootstock paired with the mix of location and cultural practices strike an optimum balance of aroma, flavor and structure.