2023 Russian River Valley Parsons’ Vineyard Pinot Noir

2023 Pinot Noir
93 Points
From the Russian River Valley, the 2023 Pinot Noir Parsons Vineyard comes from the first vineyard picked and pours a jeweled ruby color. The nose delivers notes of cherry cordial, fresh, sappy forest herbs, fresh pine, and pressed flowers. It fills the palate with a more saturating feel, with a rounded midpalate, broader, ripe tannins, and a clean, fruity finish. It’s juicy and inviting but has some rich structure as well with a more forested feel. Drink 2025-2037.
About This Wine
Kelley and Tom Parsons, two of the most effusively nice grape growers you will ever meet, farm this small 8-acre Pinot Noir Vineyard on the Santa Rosa Plains in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Kelley does a good deal of the handwork herself, while Tom helps with tractor work and fixing trellis wires. This hands-on mentality, aided by long-time vineyard manager Jim Pratt, forms a dream team of small growers. The wines, of course, reflect this in a sense of place that remains difficult to match no matter how many vineyards we kick the dirt in. Black cherry, sage, turned earth and cola emerge from the glass effortlessly and carry the midpalate richness making it the poster child for Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.