Meadowcroft Winery Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2022
Meadowcroft Winery Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2022
Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California
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Tasting Notes
Meadowcroft Winery's 2023 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, a vibrant expression of cool-climate elegance with enticing aromas of cranberry, pomegranate, and black cherry. Its layered palate features cherry cola, ripe dark cherries, and fresh raspberry, with a lively acidity and smooth finish. This Pinot Noir promises a delightful wine experience, blending fruit-forward richness with nuanced complexity.
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Story
Meadowcroft Winery harmoniously blends European heritage with California creativity, crafting award-winning, small-production reserve wines that showcase the terroir of their estate vineyard on Mt. Veeder and select single vineyard bottlings from prestigious Napa, Sonoma, and other California appellations. Founded by Winegrower Tom Meadowcroft, the winery's name reflects its commitment to nurturing and cultivating exceptional wines. "Meadowcroft" evokes the image of a fertile field or meadow, while "croft" signifies the careful cultivation that has been ongoing over time. This dedication is symbolized by the honeybee on the label, representing the conscientious work and transformation of wine grapes into outstanding wine.
Tom Meadowcroft's passion for winemaking traces back to his upbringing, work experiences, and travels throughout Europe and the United States. His journey began with a pivotal harvest in Bordeaux in 1979, leading him to pursue studies at UC Davis and Napa College, where he earned a degree in Viticulture and Enology. Following his formal education, Tom immersed himself in vineyard management roles in Napa and Washington State, focusing on sustainable farming practices and environmental advocacy. His diverse background and commitment to quality have shaped Meadowcroft Winery into a beacon of excellence, producing wines that reflect both tradition and innovation in every sip.
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Somm Notes
Located in Cornerstone Sonoma on the Southern end of Sonoma County, their tasting room not only features their wide range of wines, many of which are vineyard specific, but they also offer cheese, charcuterie and various tasting experiences - including blending classes.
The wine is a testament to the deep network of connections and skill of its founder, Tom Meadowcroft. As a former vineyard manager for Opus One, Cakebread, Duckhorn, and Stags Leap, he developed one of the deepest Rolodexes in the business. Once he launched his own label, he started mining those connections to deliver outrageous values—like today’s Russian River Pinot.
Russian River is famed for deep Goldridge sandy-loam soils, dense morning fog, and the lush, dark-cherry Pinot Noirs that they create. But Westside Road put the area on the map, as producers like Rochioli, Williams Selyem, and Merry Edwards mined their own estates or vineyards like Flax and Bacigalupi to define the modern style of Sonoma Pinot.
FOOD PAIRING: The concentrated richness and exceptional acidity that are indicative of a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir make this intense wine a remarkable partner with food. We recommend anything with mushrooms, cedar plank grilled salmon, or lamb and duck. Our cheese recommendations would include something aged and salty, like Gouda or aged cheddar cheese.
756 cases
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Region
Nestled within Sonoma County, the Russian River Valley AVA is a captivating winegrowing region shaped by its unique terroir. Established in 1983, this AVA spans 15,000 vineyard acres and boasts a diverse landscape influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the Russian River. The region's geological history is rich and dynamic, with volcanic ash deposits from nearby eruptions contributing to its renowned Goldridge loam soil. This sandy loam, combined with alluvial deposits from the river, creates a complex mosaic of soils that profoundly impact grape cultivation.
The Russian River Valley's cool, foggy climate is ideal for producing high-quality, cool-climate wines. Warm daytime temperatures are tempered by regular intrusions of fog from the nearby Petaluma Gap and cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean. This maritime influence extends the growing season, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and develop nuanced flavors while retaining crucial acidity. As a result, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel thrive in this environment, producing wines of exceptional depth and character. From the fertile plains between Windsor and Sebastopol to the hillsides near the Coastal Ranges, each vineyard site within the AVA offers a unique expression of the region's terroir, showcasing the intricate interplay between soil, climate, and grape variety.
Among the esteemed producers of the Russian River Valley are renowned wineries such as Kosta Browne, Williams Selyem, and Paul Hobbs. These industry pioneers have helped elevate the region to international acclaim, crafting wines that exemplify the distinctive character of the Russian River Valley terroir.