Chalk Hill Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2014

The red fruit notes carry the lead this year, with cranberry and red raspberry mingling with cardamom, nutmeg and bramble spice notes. There’s an enveloping quality to the aromas that promises the richness ahead. The first sip fulfills that with plush raspberry pie flavors, carried on firm medium-grained tannins. The berries are accented with thyme notes and dark, exotic sandalwood incense—the famous "Freestone spice"— before ending in an assertive and lingering finish that carries another promise, of a long and beautiful life ahead.

Their cooler coastal sites love warm summers and temperate fall weather, and reward them with generous, rich, elegant fruit.