2006 Axis Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Mission Codename: On Axis
Operative: Agent Red
Objective: Return to multi-year favorite, Arimda Winery. Secure their newest single vineyard Castelli-Knight Ranch Pinot Noir for our Pinot-loving Operatives.
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Axis Cellars
Wine Subject: 2006 Pinot Noir – Russian River Valley
Backgrounder:
The Russian River Valley, in Sonoma County, produces Pinot Noir of remarkable distinction. The cooler maritime conditions of the region make the Russian River Valley ideal for growing Pinot Noir. The Russian River Valley in Sonoma is particularly well suited to producing exceptional Pinot Noir. This AVA was officially designated in 1983, but many of the wines in the region used the designation as early as the 1970s (early in California’s wine history) with the many of the vines having been first planted in the early 1900s.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – With a core of pure clear ruby. Color is evenly concentrated, until the very edge of the wine, where it transitions from ruby to terracotta to a lovely pink hue, to almost clear at the meniscus.
Smell – Deep red cherry, spiced raspberry candy, bramble and earthy aromas just jump from the glass. As the wine breaths, aromas of hard cracked leather, flinty gunpowder, black cherry, soft cedar and a hint of toasty vanilla appear.
Feel – Soft, cool and light on initial entry. Then, the wine gives a tender bite at the mid-palate, introducing a medium body and a little added complexity. A slight, flinty dryness spreads from the rear of the palate, forward. Bright acidity drives the sweet fruit to the corners of the palate.
Taste – Black cherry, juicy raspberry, cranberry and Bing cherry are in the forefront. Just behind, follow dark chocolate with pepper, bramble and hints of mineral, cedar, black tea leaf and cigar box.
Finish – Very long and clean with sweet fruit that slowly fades to earthy spice and woody components.
Conclusion – Really delicious, with great fruit and a big nose, this delightful wine was a terrifically pleasant surprise. A little shy at first, once it opens up, this2006 Axis Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a terrific and very juicy wine. Swirl or decant for best results. We recommend swirling, so that you can witness the progression from shy and restrained toexpressive, juicy and delicious. The Russian River Valley has become such a special place for Pinot Noir and today’s wine delivers a true representation of the regions unique terroir. Well structured, bright and with a lively acidity, this is a wine that is really well-suited to being paired with a fine meal. Enjoy now or for the next couple of years.
Mission Report:
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The location of the Russian River Valley can be seen in this satellite photo.