Enroute 2016 Pinot Noir, Les Pommiers, Russian River Valley

Established in 2007 by the partners of Napa Valley's Far Niente winery, EnRoute is the culmination of a more than 30-year passion for Pinot. They made a serious commitment to the Russian River Valley, establishing vineyards and a winery devoted to capturing the magical essence of Pinot Noir. After purchasing and replanting a 20-acre apple orchard near Graton in Sonoma County, the partners set their sights on acquiring the Amber Ridge vineyard, a source of impressive Pinot Noir bottlings from Kosta Browne and Siduri.

This 2016 is their latest release and the name is a nod to the history of apple growing in the area.Grapes come from their Northern Spy Vineyard in Russian River Valley’s Green Valley AVA which grows on the region’s famous Goldridge soils, Amber Ridge Vineyard in the upper Middle Reach area of the Russian River Valley and Manzana Vineyard with its hillside fruit planted in Green Valley to Dijon clones 114, 115 and Pommard 5.

The wine fermented over 14 days and was aged 11 months in 40% new French oak barrels.

James Suckling socred it 93 points saying "Succulent, juicy and fresh red-cherry aromas in a pure, refined style. There’s attractive, sinewy, typical pinot flesh and tannins on the palate that make for a compelling offering. Long and focused."