Pick My Next Bottle – 2015 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

The August Installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley produced in 2015. As I mentioned in the first installment, the purpose of this series is to provide insight into specific wines or producers you may currently have in your cellar. The winning bottle will be opened this Saturday and a Bottle Note will be published shortly thereafter.

I had planned on doing 2005 Bordeaux this month but decided to table it until we have some Fall like weather in Seattle. Stay tuned.

The Russian River Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area in Sonoma County, California. Centered on the Russian River, the Russian River Valley AVA accounts for about one-sixth of the total planted vineyard acreage in Sonoma County. The appellation was granted AVA status in 1983 and enlarged in 2005.

By most accounts the 2015 vintage is average to above average despite lower yields and a record early harvest. All of these wines should be ready to drink but have many years ahead of them as well.

The Contenders:

• 2015 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir – The 2015 Pinot Noir is terrific, with classic black raspberries and cherry fruits intermixed with spice-cake, incense, and dried flower/potpourri nuances. All from the Russian River Valley and aged 15 months in French oak, this beauty is medium to full-bodied, elegant and layered, with impressive depth and purity, as well as richness. It’s going to drink nicely for at least a decade. 93 points from Jeb Dunnuck.
• 2015 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley –  There are 5500 cases of the 2015 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley and it’s a deeply colored, ripe, sexy, beast of an appellation wine that’s as good, or better, then several of the single vineyards. Black raspberries, cassis, roasted herbs, violets, and loads of toasted spice give way to a full-bodied, beautifully textured 2015 that has sweet tannin and a great finish. It’s already drinking beautifully but should keep nicely on its balance and purity. 95 points from Jeb Dunnuck.
• 2015 Dehlinger Pinot Noir Goldridge – The 2015 Pinot Noir Goldridge is a bold, racy wine. Soft contours give the 2015 its voluptuous, supple personality. Dark cherry, plum, spice and new leather are all pushed forward. This is an especially racy, flamboyant edition of the Goldridge Pinot with no hard edges and plenty of immediate appeal. 93 points from Vinous.

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Thanks for voting! I’d love to see a comment below on why you picked one bottle over another. Also, let me know if you have any suggestions for the September installment of Pick My Next Bottle.