Talawind Ranch is a boutique-production label from Russian Hill Estate Winery, located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. This vertical of Pinot Noir represents the first three vintages of that wine. The wines are made from a variety of clones by Russian Hill Estate Winery co-founder and winemaker Patrick Melley and aged in new French oak barrels. They are excellent values for Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.

2014 Talawind Ranch Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 91+ 14.6% 750ml $30

This willowy, attractively ripe Pinot Noir offers aromas of ripe black cherry, cranberry sauce, spice, toasted oak, and dried orange peel. The palate adds some brighter, raspberry and red cherry fruit. It’s medium-bodied in the mouth with gentle acidity and very fine, silky tannins which are soft and well-integrated. It’s drinking will now and should age nicely for another five years.

2015 Talawind Ranch Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 92 14.5% 750ml $30

A riper and more intense wine than the 2014, the 2015 nose is fruit-forward and generous with black cherry syrup, ripe berries, sarsaparilla, and sweet herb. The palate has medium-plus body with rich, creamy black cherry and berry fruit, tangy tangerine, oak, and spice. There’s more volume to the tannins here to, but they remain soft and very well integrated. Drink now through 2027. 149 cases.

2016 Talawind Ranch Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 91+ 14.5% 750ml $30

Not yet released, the 2016 is just a baby. It’s  very attractive, though still oak-forward on the nose with toasted wood, caramel, vanilla, sweet cream, and sweet red and black cherries. The palate is medium-plus in body with syrupy fruit, root beer, and sweet herb. Fine-grained, softly chalky texture provides structure. It’s a very tasty wine now, but I’d give it a year or so in the cellar. 2020-2028. 211 cases.

Note: The Talawind Ranch label also includes Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Copyright Fred Swan 2019.  Photographs courtesy of Russian Hill Vineyard Winery. All rights reserved.