The Return of Two Sonoma Favorites
After months of anticipation, two of our most beloved Pinot Noirs are finally back. Just bottled and full of promise, the 2023 Nightwing Vineyard and 2023 Manzana Vineyard Pinot Noirs mark the return of a longtime favorite and a relative newcomer to the lineup. These are the first glimpses into what 2023 has to say for our Pinot Noir program, and if early impressions are any sign, it’s a vintage worth remembering.
B Cellars Nightwing Vineyard Pinot Noir
Like the Russian River Valley, the Petaluma Gap is largely defined by the climate created by a gap in the Coastal Range allowing more marine influence. But the soils on these hillsides tend to be more ancient and depleted loams. And when we grow Pinot Noir in these soils, we get exaggerated and exotic perfumed fruit with hold spicy flavors on the palate. This Pinot Noir is explosive in its youth, with layers of aromas and flavors that go on through a lengthly finish. It is proof that great Pinot Noir is as bold as any other noble red varietal!
The nose is complex with notes of dried cherry, crème brûlée, blackberry, violets, and hints of cigar box. The palate bursts with fresh plums, black cherry, pluot, and cranberry, leading to more savory notes of Chinese Five Spice, mushrooms, clove, and nutmeg. This wine is centered around a deep core and finishes with silky smooth tannins.
B Cellars Manzana Vineyard Pinot Noir
The Russian River Valley has long been renowned for producing simply gorgeous Pinot Noir. The Russian River punches through the Coastal Range as it winds its way to the Pacific Ocean, and in doing so, creates an opening for the cool marine layers to push in and settle down over the river valley. This cooling effect makes for textbook Pinot Noir climate. But it is the sandy soils of the valley that create the signature ripe, rich, and hedonistic wines. This is a classic Russian River Pinot Noir. Bright red and jammy fruit on top of luscious long tannins!
The Manzana Vineyard is part of the famed Dutton Ranch, located in Green Valley, an area with a long history of agriculture. The name “Manzana” pays tribute to the long and successful history of apple farming throughout this part of Sonoma County. This is one of the coolest climate pockets of the Russian River Valley. These vines are anchored in Goldridge Soil, a fine sandy loam, arguably the best soil for Pinot Noir.
Additional 2023 Pinot Noirs
2023 Brown Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir
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