WTN: Russian River Valley Again!

I've been doing a lot of cycling in the Russian River Valley this past month, and I may be changing my general opinion about California Pinots (thought I didn't like 'em). Too sweet, too syrupy, don't like the cherry cola character very much, etc.

Anyway...did a fantastic ride on Friday and I visited two places:

RUSSIAN HILL WINERY. 2008 Tara's Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley). Wow...what a structured wine. I don't really think it is even quite ready. Layers of earth, cherry, berry, forest floor, mushroom flavors. Captivating stuff. Very impressive!

MOSHIN WINERY. An interesting range of Pinot and other wines here. They even had one bottling that had an...issue...with brett. I like brett, so I found it interesting, but as I always drink wine with other people, I figured this would not be a good wine to bring to a dinner . Instead, I really enjoyed their 2009 Proprietor's Reserve, which was again a very bold, structured earthy Pinot with a delicious MINTY edge.

On the same trip...one of my favorite Sonoma wineries is Porter Creek. The wonderful Scottish tasting room guy was there. In addition to the fantastic Syrah, I enjoyed their Old Vine Carrignane, which had layers of brambly, wild, peasant wine character. True to the varietal and delicious!

Moshin is an over-looked winery, IMO. Good prices and quality.

It was actually a bit of a party scene that Friday! They were BUSY! FUN place, though, and nice people. I liked their Sauvignon Blanc and Rose also.

Moshin strikes me as being expensive, but then I'm a certified cheapskate.
Mostly.

John

Moshin strikes me as being expensive, but then I'm a certified cheapskate.
Mostly.

John

They were not out of line with other Russian River boutique wineries. But they might certainly be considered somewhat pricey. Still...when Rochioli runs over $100 for some of their "special" cuvees, Moshin seems reasonable

I just checked the website, and the SVDs are pricey. But the appellation wines are fairly reasonably priced, I'd say.

Yes...especially for the quality. Nice people and nice place, too.

It is a nice place!