Rutz Cellars 1998 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley California. 13.8% alcohol. Deep red color, light hue, intense fruit and lighter spice and floral aromas and tastes, good acidity, light tannins, very good balance, long finish with graceful fruit and spice notes. Very pleasing with grilled chicken and roasted vegetables, and later sipping and TIVOing. 4*.
Regards, Bob
Winemakers Notes: A stylish blend from highly regarded Russian River Valley vineyards - including the Dutton and Martinelli Ranches - known for producing fruit of outstanding quality and great distinction. The grapes were hand picked and individually hand-sorted prior to de-stemming. Fermented in small, open-top vats, the cap of solids was punched down by hand, four to five times per day, to help extract color and flavor. Transferred to 100% French oak barrels, the wine underwent spontaneous malolactic fermentation and was aged for 11 months in the constant natural temperature and humidity of the Rutz Cellars caves. Settled naturally, the 1998 Russian River Pinot Noir is unfined and lightly filtered. 1252 Cases Produced. Harvest - Sept 29 - Oct 15. Aged 11 Months in French oak (Latour, Toutant, François Freres and Radoux barrels). Rutz Cellars.
B.