Valravn Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, 2022

This 2022 Pinot Noir from Valravn brings together fruit from the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, combining the richer character of the warmer inland vineyards with the brighter fruit and structure of the cooler coastal sites.

The wine is made from 100% Pinot Noir, with approximately 75% Russian River Valley fruit and 25% Sonoma Coast fruit, including declassified barrels from the producer's single-vineyard Marine Layer wines.

The 2022 vintage followed three years of drought in Sonoma, resulting in smaller berries with concentrated flavours. The wine was fermented with native wild yeasts in small open-top stainless steel tanks, with 25% whole-cluster inclusion adding spice and structure. It was then aged for 10 months in French oak, with around 20% new oak.

In the glass, the wine shows a deep ruby colour with aromas of Luxardo cherries, strawberry compote, crushed violets, clove and cinnamon. The palate is dry and medium-bodied, with a weighty texture balanced by lively acidity, ripe fruit, savoury spice and well-integrated tannins.

The wine received 92 points and an Editors' Choice designation from Wine Enthusiast, alongside 91 points from James Suckling.