Pick My Next Bottle – 2015 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

The June Installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on 2015 Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. 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 on Sunday and a Bottle Note will be published this coming weekend.

The 2015 vintage began in late winter due to unseasonably warm temperatures leading to an early bud break, and thus an elongated growing season. Overall yields were lighter than average with smaller cluster and berry size as a result of cooler temperatures during bloom and the third consecutive year of drought. The wines show increased concentration of flavors with wonderful balance and round textures.

The Contenders:

• 2015 Dehlinger Pinot Noir Altamont – Broad and ample on the palate, the 2015 Pinot Noir Altamont is another dark, richly textured wine from Dehlinger. A dollop of whole clusters and a move towards aging 50% of this wine in larger format barrels gives the Altamont lovely brightness to play off the natural richness of the vintage. This is a gorgeous wine from Dehlinger.  94 points from Vinous.
• 2015 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Koplen Vineyard – From a five-acre site of alluvial soils, all from clone 667 and made with 10% whole and aged in 35% new barrels, the 2015 Pinot Noir Koplen Vineyard is about as classic a California Pinot Noir as you can find. Savory notes of dried black cherries, mulberries, earth, mushrooms and dried spices all flow to a juicy, full-bodied, sexy, yet balanced 2015 that’s just packed with character. With solid mid-palate depth, ripe tannin and a great finish, drink this textbook Russian River Valley Pinot Noir over the coming decade. 93 points from Jeb Dunnuck.
• 2013 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Eastside Road Neighbors –  This multi-vineyard wine is sourced from hillside sites on the eastern edges of the appellation, including Foss and Calegari vineyards. Perfumed in clove and other baking spice tones, it has beautiful aromatics and ripe, firm tannins. The palate is marked by flavors of plum, rhubarb and cherry clafouti. 95 points from The Wine Enthusiast.

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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 July installment of Pick My Next Bottle.