Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley Pinot Noir tends to reveal more bright red berry and high toned, warm cinnamon notes compared with the darker, more plummy flavors typical of Santa Barbara Pinots. Juicy, balanced, full of lively, ripe fruit, this wine is perfect for pairing with a succulent, crispy skinned, roast duck.
In 1998, Barbara Barham Mendelsohn and Richard Mendelsohn planted 5 acres of Pinot Noir at Lala Panzi Ranch in the Russian River Valley near Healdsburg in Sonoma County.
The vineyard is organically farmed in the most meticulous fashion. Farming protocol at Lala Panzi includes stringent canopy management, manual tilling and weed control, micro-management of ripening assessment, and ultimately a quick, early morning harvest at the best possible balance.
Pairs well with veal, pork, poultry dishes, and mushrooms.