The WineSurprisingly deep garnet in the glass lead to aromas dominated by red fruit (cherry, pomegranate) with hints of Blackberry and Boysenberry. And it's these darker fruits that dominate on the palate, along with black tea and olive and allspice. The relatively low acidity (for a Pinot) leaves this wine feeling broad on the palate, a wine that works as well in a starring role during the cocktail hour as it does next to big-flavored dishes on the table.
Clonally, this wine is a collection of heirloom clones from a number of Russian River Vineyards - including New World clones such as Calera, Swan, Pommard, Mt. Eden, and Chalone as well as newer French selections like Dijon 777 & 943. Like a good stew, each ingredient adds to the wine's complexity. Unfined and unfiltered.
1,450 cases produced. Drink now through 2024
"95 Points" says Wine Enthusiast. "90 Points" says Pinotfile. "I don't use points, but I selected this wine over hundreds of others" says Dave the Wine Merchant!
The Winery
Proprietor Mary Dewane refers to her family as "Benovians", a portmanteau of her parents' names - Ben and Novian. Together with her husband Joe Anderson and their winemaker, Mike Sullivan, they craft luxurious Pinot and Chardonnay (and, because they're close to Sonoma ZIN country, some quantities of Zinfandel as well!) from their 70+ acres of vines in Russian River Valley.
The hard-working couple says that "after years of hard, humble work, we're creating something beautiful that draws people together". And in these divisive times, when we spend more hours staring at screens than each other, what calling could be more important?
