Wine Details
Vintage: 2021
Alcohol: 13.8%
pH: 3.62
TA: 6.2 g/L
Residual Sugar: 0.4 g/L (Dry)
Production: 485 cases
Bottle Price: $52
2021 Oliver's Vineyard Pinot Noir
Elegant, Silky, and Complex
Winemaking
Harvest Date: September 28, 2021
Barrel Aging: 14 months
Oak: 40% new French oak, 60% neutral
Toast Level: Light-Medium
Fermentation: Small-lot fermentation, 30% whole cluster
Bottling Date: November 20, 2022
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Brilliant ruby-garnet with amber edges. Medium body with elegant legs reflecting the wine's silky texture and refined structure.
Nose
Elegant aromatics of red cherry, wild strawberry, and cranberry. Notes of rose petal, violet, and dried herbs add floral complexity. Subtle hints of forest floor, mushroom, and sandalwood with delicate oak spice.
Palate
Silky and refined with fine-grained tannins. Flavors of red cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate dominate. Mid-palate reveals earthy notes of mushroom, truffle, and cola with subtle baking spices. The whole cluster fermentation adds structure and savory complexity.
Finish
Medium to long with persistent red fruit and earthy undertones. Notes of tea, spice, and subtle oak linger. This vintage exemplifies classic Russian River Valley Pinot Noir with balance, elegance, and terroir expression.
Food Pairing
This elegant Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with:
Poultry & Game
Duck breast with cherry sauce, roasted chicken with herbs, quail, or Cornish hen
Fish & Pork
Grilled salmon, seared tuna, pork tenderloin with mushrooms, or braised pork belly
Earthy Dishes
Mushroom risotto, truffle pasta, beet salad with goat cheese, or roasted root vegetables
Vintage Notes
The 2021 vintage in Russian River Valley provided excellent conditions for Pinot Noir. Moderate temperatures and morning fog preserved acidity while allowing for full flavor development. The Pommard and Dijon 115 clones produced small clusters with concentrated flavors and natural balance. This vintage showcases the elegance and complexity possible from this exceptional site.
Drinking Window
Peak: 2024-2029
Drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop complexity through 2031.
Purchase This Wine
Available for purchase directly from Hillside Estate Winery
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