Vineyard Update
The energy is palpable here in the Russian River Valley, harvest is upon us! Starting this week, we will be harvesting not only the Estate Pinot Noir but also a big portion our sourced Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. The growing season has been great and in terms of timing, we are right on schedule. What is getting me most excited though is that the quality of fruit looks amazing! The Russian River Valley is such a beautiful place to live and work and getting to visit and sample the different vineyards we work with is quite a treat. We will be starting our harvest with a wave of Pinot Noir followed closely behind by the Chardonnay. Because Pinot Noir is such a special grape for River Road Family Vineyards and Winery and me personally, I’d like to dive deeper into how that came to be.
We collect whole clusters to get a thorough sampling in every vineyard!
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
The Russian River Valley has become one of the most renowned regions for Pinot Noir production in the United States. The history of Pinot Noir planting in this area is relatively recent but marked by significant developments in viticulture and clone selection that have elevated the quality and reputation of the wines produced here. The modern history of Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley began in the 1960s and 1970s when the region was recognized for its unique terroir—characterized by a cool climate, morning fog from the Pacific Ocean, and diverse soils, including gravel, clay, and loam. These conditions are ideal for growing Pinot Noir, a grape variety known for its sensitivity to climate and soil.
These clusters of Estate Pinot Noir, Clone 115 are about ten days away from picking!
Early plantings of Pinot Noir in the region were influenced by pioneers who recognized the potential of the Russian River Valley for producing high-quality wines. Initially, these vineyards used a mix of heritage clones, which had been brought over from Europe, particularly from Burgundy, where Pinot Noir is the dominant red variety. However, these early plantings were often a blend of different clones, which resulted in inconsistent wine quality. The 1980s and 1990s saw a significant shift in focus towards clonal selection, driven by research and experimentation. During this period, viticulturists and winemakers began to realize the importance of using specific clones to achieve desired characteristics in the wine. The University of California, Davis, played a crucial role in this development by identifying and promoting various Pinot Noir clones that were well-suited to the region’s climate and soils. Among the most notable clones used in the Russian River Valley are the Dijon clones (such as 115, 667, and 777), which were imported from France in the 1980s. These clones are known for producing wines with greater complexity, aromatic intensity, and balance. Other popular clones include Pommard and Swan, each contributing unique flavors and structures to the wines.
These are the four clones we have planted at the Estate Vineyard. Note how different they look!
Each clone brings different strengths to the winemaking process, allowing winemakers to craft Pinot Noirs that range from delicate and aromatic to rich and powerful. The strategic use of these clones in the Russian River Valley is key to producing wines with complexity, balance, and distinct regional character. Wish us luck as we start another great harvest here in the Russian River Valley!
On behalf of the entire team here at River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, we wish you all continued good health!
