2021 Pinot Noir Reserve Cuvée Bacigalupi

Deep garnet color with slight bricking on the rim and a very subtle haze, this wine is unfined and unfiltered to preserve aromatic complexity, which it has in spades.  On the nose, we find cinnamon, mushroom, blonde tobacco, toffee and hints of leather.  In the mouth, the wine is incredibly soft, with a complex mix of cinnamon red hots, fresh cherries, toasted vanilla beans and hardwoods - cedar and sandalwood.  The finish lasts for several minutes, with loads of complexity and a subtle thread of vanilla throughout.

Situated on a gentle southeast facing slope that has been owned by Helen & Charles Bacigalupi since 1948.  This is a benchmark vineyard in Sonoma County and the Russian River Valley. The terrain ranges from gentle rolling hills to extreme hillsides.

Harvested at the end of August, at peak ripeness, the grapes were put into an open top fermenter 85% destemmed and 15% whole cluster.  After a 3 day cold soak, the wine completed an 21 day fermentation with 2 punch downs daily.  Aged in French oak for 22 months, this wine is unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfites added just before bottling.

This wine will pair best with lighter dishes such as grilled vegetables, Greek salad with cucumbers and dill, herbed goat cheese with honey and dried apricots, or pheasant pate.  For those looking for a more substantial meal, try coq au vin, or filet mignon with a creamy morel mushroom sauce.