2019 Kukeri Russian River Valley Cuvée Ivonne Pinot Noir

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2019
Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Alcohol: 14.2%
pH: 3.65
Production: 130 cases

Awards: Best of Class, Double Gold and 96pts. from 2021 Santé International Wine Competition; Double-Gold Medal and 98pts. from 2021 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge

Introduction: The Russian River Valley in Sonoma County are renowned for producing some of the world’s best Pinot Noirs and our Kukeri Cuvée Ivonne Pinot Noir is one of them. The fruit for the 2019 Russian River Pinot Noir is sourced from two different vineyards, one is located on the western edge of Green Valley also known as one of the coolest and foggiest region, and the other is a hillside vineyard, west of Windsor in the upper part of the Russian River Valley. The wine is produced from tree different clones, the clone 667, which bring vivid fruit, 777 which add some chewy tannins and 115 which bring some brightness, cherry, and floral aromatics. The result is intense and rich Pinot Noir with good tannin structure suitable for aging.

Winemaking: The grapes were handpicked at the end of August and de-stemmed into small fermentation bins and allowed to cold soak for 3 days to help stabilize the color and enhance flavors. It was fermented for 14 days and punched down 3 times a day to increase extraction of color and phenolic compounds. Gently pressed and aged on light less for 12 months into 100% French barrels with 30% new oak. Only 5 barrels are produced from this limited-edition Pinot Noir.

Tasting Notes: The 2019 Kukeri Russian River Pinot Noir is silky in texture and complex in flavor, with black cherries, rose petal and wild raspberry fusing perfectly with an exotic undertone of licorice and light vanilla oak. In the glass, bright red hues, darker to the edge, medium weight on the palate balanced with bright mouth-watering acidity. Long and luscious finish.

Enjoy with family and friends!
Cheers!