2021 Winery Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard

The Kanzler Vineyard was planted in the mid-1990s to old-vine 667 and 115 clones that were sold to Kosta Browne for a long time. Located to the south of Sebastopol at the southern end of the Russian River Valley appellation, it’s one of the region’s cooler vineyard sites. Coming exclusively from the older plantings of the vineyard, the deep ruby/magenta 2021 Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard saw 20% whole cluster in fermentation. In the glass, it boasts a gorgeous perfume of lavender, black raspberries, graphite, and elegant high-toned spices that frame the wine beautifully. Medium-bodied, it has an expansive feel throughout the palate, with lovely balance, a seamless feel, even acidity, ripe tannins, and a long finish. It’s gorgeous all the way through. Drink 2026-2046. Located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, Arista Winery was founded in 2002 by Al and Janis McWilliams, who handed over day-to-day operations to their children, Mark and Ben, in 2012. Today, the winemaking is overseen by esteemed winemaker Matt Courtney, who spent eight years with Marcassin. Additionally, Matt makes wines under his own label, Ferren, and as of this year, Volterre, which readers will find in this report. He holds back an additional year in bottle for both wineries before release. This year, we see the return of the Pinot Noirs in the range, after the estate made the difficult decision not to produce any reds in 2020 due to the effects of the fires. In the cellar, all of the wines are barrel fermented, and fermentation is started with native yeast.

Extremely perfumed with violets, black cherries and hints of bark. Savory and full-bodied with firm and fine tannins that frame the wine seriously. Notes of orange peel. Mostly clone 667 planted in the mid-1990s. Superb. Needs two or three years to open.

The 2021 Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard is a classic Russian River Pinot. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, clove, menthol and leather all build in the glass, filling out the layers effortlessly. Silky tannins wrap it all together in style.