PRODUCT OVERVIEW:
Minnesota native Baron began buying Bordeaux futures at the age of 15, and at 18 he was hired by Food & Wine Magazine’s 2012 “Top Sommelier” Peter Eastlake to work in his wine retail shop. By 21 he was managing three stores and purchasing wines by the container. Baron then went to work for James Beard award-winning importer Eric Solomon, first as East Coast Sales Manager, then becoming National Sales Director, where he ran all aspects of sales. He moved to California in 2007 and two years later founded Banshee Wines, followed by Valkyrie Selections (imported wines), Averaen Wines (Oregon), Valravn Wines (Sonoma), and Requiem Wines (Washington State).
A native of Napa, Rob had no plans to pursue winemaking, but that changed when he landed a job in the tasting room at Domaine Carneros. What was intended to be a summer job turned into a series of opportunities that jumpstarted his winemaking career. After recieving his degree in Enology from Fresno State, Rob worked at Donum Estate, where he was immersed in the production of Carneros and Sonoma pinot noirs. Upon graduation, Rob joined the Ancien Wines team as Assistant Winemaker and worked alongside Ken Bernards. In 2008, Rob joined Etude Wines as Associate Winemaker, and for the next 9 years advanced to winemaker positions at Etude, Lyric, and Beaulieu Vineyards before teaming up with Baron.
The 2021 vintage of Valravn Pinot Noir is primarily Sonoma Coast fruit. Grapes from the Sonoma Coast AVA account for half the blend, with the balance Russian River (40%) and Sonoma Mountain (10%).
Medium-bodied and smooth, the 2021 Valravn Pinot Noir is a juicy, complex wine with rich raspberry compote, clove, and cedar spice scents. The Sonoma Coast parcels show the typical crunchy red fruits, while the Russian River fruit gives the briary bramble, all accented with spice from the whole cluster components. An
unctuous palate weight balances flavors of framboise and wild berries. The wine has excellent complexity and plays in a category far above its modest price point. (winery notes)
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Producer Name: Valravn Wine
Old/New World: New World
Country of Origin: United States
Region: California
Sub-Region: North Coast
Appellation: Sonoma County
Quality Designation: AVA
Grape Varietals: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021
Product Type: Wine
Wine Style: Medium Body Red
Winemaker: Rob Fischer
ABV: 14%
Pack/Size: 12/750 ml
Container Type: Green Glass Burgundy-style Bottle
Closure Style: Stelvin Closure