The Russian River Valley isn’t in Russia, it’s an AVA in Sonoma County, west of Healdsburg. This is a cool climate region, due to the influence of the Pacific Ocean, and as such is an outstanding area to produce both pinot noir and chardonnay. This is where the grapes for this Picket Fence pinot noir are grown.
Picket Fence is marketed by 585 Wine Partners, which is a division of the wine giant Bronco Wine Company. But even though they are ultimately part of this large company, Picket Fence wines are created in small lots.
This is a rather interesting pinor noir, with aromas of bacon fat, cola, beets and cherry. The palate has a good dose of cherry flavors along with some raspberry and a touch of spice in the mid-palate. The intensity is reasonable and the acidity is adequate, although a touch more would have helped it. It has a medium-length finish with cherry and black pepper flavors. It’s a decent pinot noir.
Wine: Picket Fence – Russian River Valley
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 13%
Rating: 85
Price: $17.99
Find Picket Fence – Russian River Valley Pinot Noir with Snooth
Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.
2009 Picket Fence Pinot Noir is definately fruit forward with a nice soft subtle spice and oak balance…fruit rules here…slightly sweet for a Pinot…smooth, satisfying finish…if you like dry, this Pinot might not be for you…but, if you like fruit forward with spice and oak in the backgrount, you too will love this wine; an excellent value at about $150 case…2009 Picket Fence PN is my current favorite… don’t get fooled buying the 2008 or 2007. 2009…The 2009 vintage is probably, overall, the best russian river vintage ever for a pinot…Picket Fence Russian River 2009 vintage is easily a $70 russian river pinot any other year …stay away from the bargain 2007 vintage.
Eric, thanks for sharing your thoughts… and the tip on the vintage.