2006 David Noyes Wines Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

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Mission Codename: Live Freestone or Die

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Return to our friends at David Noyes and retrieve his fantastic Crane Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: David Noyes Wines

Wine Subject: 2006 Freestone Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Winemaker: David Noyes

Backgrounder: Since 1970, winemaker David Noyes has made fine wines, all around the world, and for some incredible wineries. Early in his career, David made wine at Ridge and Kunde Estate. In 2006, David left Kunde to launch his own label. Today, as then, David is especially well-known for his delicious Zinfandel and Pinot Noir, and we are proud to bring you David’s wonderful 2006 Freestone Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.

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 nearly perfect for cultivating 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 – Dark and deep ruby red with darker burgundy hues that glisten in its clear core, the color remains dense to the very edge. When swirled, randomly spaced legs descend at varying speeds and fatten as the drop to the wine below.

Smell – Rich and deeply redolent with its red cherry and dark raspberry blending with savory bacon fat, spring flowers and and notes of tea and cola. Classic earthy undertones, green herbs and brown baking spice adds depth and invites a sip.

Feel – Smooth, dry and rich, this full-bodied Pinot has a generous and well developed tannins tannins, balanced acidity and soft textured dark minerality that dries as the wine expands across the palate.

Taste – Dark red cherry, ripe raspberry and red plum fruit flavors blends with brown spices, earthy undertones and a touch of savory bacon fat. Enhancing this classic Pinot’s palate are smokey notes and the green herbs, floral notes and black tea found on the nose.

Finish – Medium long and lingering with this wine’s ripe red fruit and other savory, spice and herbal notes fading slowly leaving behind mouth drying tannins and earthy earthy mineral texture.

Conclusion – The 2006 David Noyes Wines Freestone Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noiris a delicious Pinot that shows the rich and deep flavors you’d expect from prized single vineyard fruit. Depth and richness on the nose all the way through the palate and into the finish, this full-bodied Pinot really stands up on its own. Drinking perfectly right now, we enjoyed this lovely wine with grilled sausage over a medley of white beans, fennel and spinach and polenta.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: David Noyes

WINE EDUCATION: Ridge Vineyards and UC Davis

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Currently making my own wine, working, consulting…

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: If it tastes good, they will drink it.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: Wish I could encapsulate the numinous quality of wine in a single sentence…glad I cannot…

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: Under my own label, 2001 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir…first commercial vintage I had a hand in…1970…oh that’s a long time ago!


WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT WHITE: Greetings, David. We are thrilled to be showing your 2006 David Noyes Wines Freestone Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

DAVID: Thank you! Its good to be back with you, today.

WHITE: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

DAVID: Not really, I like to say I grew up in Palo Alto during the 60’s and wine was just one of the mind and mood altering paths we all enjoyed… Wine begins in the earth—there’s nothing more grounded than farming, yet, once in the bottle its as subject to fad, fancy and folly as any item of fashion or style. I find the spectrum fascinating.

WHITE: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

DAVID: Both David Bennion and Paul Draper of Ridge had profound effects—the Dionysian and Apollonian, as someone said. Wine as a sensual product and an expression of earthy pleasure as well as a calling, a profession and a practice…

WHITE: Who do you make wine for?

DAVID: For myself, of course, but I enjoy pleasing people, so, for others…I like to make wine that I believe most people can relate to, can enjoy sensually…That said there’s also a story that appeals to the emotions and a respect for tradition and for style that can appeal to the intellect.

WHITE: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

DAVID: .

WHITE: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

DAVID: .

WHITE: In your opinion, what makes the Freestone Vineyard so special?

DAVID: .

WHITE: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

DAVID: .

WHITE: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

DAVID: I like, currently, the metaphor of fashion…choose your wine as you would choose your clothes, or whatever it pleases you to make a choice in…ultimately it is a all matter of choice. Please, drink my wine as an homage to the tradition of zinfandel winemaking in California, or because it tastes good!

WHITE: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

DAVID: I think I’ve said enough…

WHITE: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Winery Check:

The location of the tasting room where David’s incredible wines can be found can be seen in thissatellite photo.