Four Russian River Valley Tasting Rooms

On a warm top-down day I made four stops at some favorite wineries in the Russian River Valley appellation.  Listed are the wines I purchased from each.  All of these wineries are small operations--the best kind!  The wineries in this area tend to specialize in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel.

Harvest in underway at Pellegrini
80 tons of Pinot Noir in 48 hours!

Harvest Moon

2006 Russian River Valley Zinfandel ($34).  Soft, fruity, acidic, lighter bodied. Will definitely stand up to food. I would generalize their wines as somewhat elegant with an acid backbone not usually found in CA wines.

Pellegrini

2007 Russian River Valley, Olivet Lane Estate Reserve Pinot Noir ($45). The $20 Russian River Pinot was good for the price. This one was exceptional.  They also had a nice Cabernet and Cab blend.

Dutton-Goldfield

2009 Russian River Valley, Dutton Ranch / Stoetz Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel ($30).  Young and chock full of flavors, complexity and potential.

Red Car

2007 Sonoma County, Cuvee 22 Syrah ($55).  The best of the three Syrahs I tried though all were good.  Rich, complex and easy drinking.  They make many small lot wines under several labels.