About the wine
Sultry and refined Pinot - from the top vineyards in Sonoma
Elegant and rich but still bouncing with bright fruit, there's just something about Russian River Valley Pinot. "It has both subtlety and strength!" Ondine says.
Russian River is a tiny Sonoma AVA of Pinot paradise. With ever-changing levels of sun and fog ("some days it's wisps of fog... other days, blankets!" Ondine says) its grapes ripen supremely and delicately over time – a signature of the region that makes this Pinot truly delicious (and truly unique).
A typical bottle from these vineyards – made by a specialist like Ondine – sells for $30+ easy. Your $19 Angel savings is a thank you – and a testament to the wines only possible with customer support.
Best before
The wine will develop with age but will display the most fruit in its youth. This vintage will be best enjoyed over the first few years after purchase...particularly in its first year. The fruit is juicy and vibrant with a particular softness not typical of all years.
Serving advice
Pinot's delicacy means that it might not benefit from decanting. Opening the bottle 30 minutes before serving is ideal just to let a little air in to open it up. I would discourage any type of aggressive aeration. The structure of the wine will not benefit dramatically (though it could be a fun experiment with a group of friends).
Food match
Cedar plank-grilled salmon with sesame oil and ginger is a great match! The sweetness of the fish brings out fruit in the wine, and Asian-inspired seasonings enhance the Pinot's spice components.
I also recommend pepper-crusted tuna over radishes and micro-greens. The pepperiness of radish & arugula bring out the spice notes in the wine while the tenderness and fleshiness of the fish is a good weight to match the body of the wine.
Contains sulphites
Always check the label
USA
Russian River Valley (Sonoma County)
Pinot noir
Smooth Red
14.3% ABV
750ml
Wine profile
Meet the winemaker - Ondine Chattan
Unmistakably one of the North Coast’s top winemaking talents, Ondine Chattan’s worked for wine institutions – famed wineries like Ridge Vineyards, Cline Cellars, and spent decades running famed Healdsburg winery Geyser Peak.
Does Geyser Peak sound familiar? It should – it’s the long-time winemaking home of one legendary Daryl Groom – and it’s where these decades-long colleagues and friends met. They’re still close… in fact, they might collaborate on exclusive wines now and again.*wink.*
Ondine is awestruck by the wine community Angels have built – and she wants to help it grow. “I truly connect to people through the wines I make,” she said. “The stories of the growers, the vineyards, and the process behind the wine are as vital to me as grapes.”
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