California,  Cellar Selection,  Pinot Noir,  Russian River Valley

Cellar Selection

IMG_2673         Emeritus E

Emeritus 2009 Don’s Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

I’m back again this week with another truly outstanding, limited release wine, from Emeritus. In 1999 Emeritus was born when Brice Cutrer Jones closed on the purchase of Don and Marcia Hallberg’s prime apple orchard in the heart of the Russian River Valley. The 115–acre parcel, the Hallberg Ranch, is located two miles north of Sebastopol, on both sides of the Gravenstein Highway and directly on the Gold Ridge, the ten-mile long ridge that bears the name of the predominate soils of the area. The wine I am commenting on today was made in honor of Emeritus’ first winemaker Don Blackburn, this wine is made from the middle of Hallberg Ranch’s C-Block. It captures Don’s spirit of aromatics, fruit and spice and strength. Only two barrels were made of this vintage. Jump on their website and you still might be able to pick up one of these beauties.

Pouring a glass of Don’s Block Russian River Pinot Noir, I noticed an enticing ruby color with crimson hues and immediately noted complex ripe red fruit aromas with a gentle touch of spiciness. To my delight this wine was well structured and focused with dark cherries, raspberries and blueberries. The palate also had firm oak, sweet earthy spice and ending with a nice lingering finish with soft edges. WOW!! An absolute joy to drink.

Cheers!

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