Stoetz Ridge Pinot Noir | Ruxton Vineyard, Green Valley, Russian River Valley
WINEMAKER'S RECORD
Aromatically stunning, this wine opens with allspice, pink peppercorn, beechnut, baking flour, fruit cake, black plum pulp and baked gingerbread. The mouthfeel is dense, viscous, layered and extracted with pomegranate concentrate, semi-sweet chocolate, ripe fig, black cherry licorice. Full-bodied and complex with weight-lifting acidity, this is a wine worthy of extended contemplation.
WAYPOINT GRAPE VARIETY(S): 100% Pinot Noir Clone 667
The Vineyards | Ruxton Vineyard, Green Valley
Within the vicinity of Silver Eagle and 5 Wells Vineyards, coming off of Stoetz Lane, and not so far from Camp Meeker, lies the Ruxton Vineyard. Sitting at 800 feet of elevation atop the Stoetz Ridge, this vineyard lies in the heart of the Green Valley district within the broader Russian River Valley appellation. Ideally planted to Pinot Noir clones 667, 777, and 115 where cool climate conditions and sandy loam soils create the perfect environment for producing exceptional Pinot Noir. We are fortunate to have access to this vineyard that is well-known as the hidden gem amongst the winegrowing elite.
Green Valley is one of the smallest appellations in Sonoma County. It lies in the southwestern part of the Russian River Valley at the border of the Sonoma Coast AVA, and bounded by the towns of Sebastopol, Forestville and Occidental. It is very tightly delineated, both geographically and climatically, and is the most consistent of any North Coast appellation in terms of soil, climate and flavor.
The fog is Green Valley’s trademark. The predominant soil type (60%) of this American Viticultural Area (AVA) is Goldridge soil, the most sought-after type in Sonoma County—especially for Pinot Noir.
PRODUCTION ESSENTIALS
Method | 100% Pellenc Destemmed, 5 Day Cold Soak, 100% Carbonic D254 Inoculation Open Top Fermentation With Hand Punch Down Cap Submersion
Utilizing Utilizing 100% Native Yeast Primary and Secondary Fermentations.
Aging Regimen | 50% New French Oak
Aging | 16 Months | 5 Barrels