Description
One of California's most undisputed wine pioneers, Pellegrini's been associated with every aspect of the Californian wine business since almost the beginning of the 20th Century (as grower, grape-seller, winemaker, and even importer!). Family-owned for four generations, their pride and joy is their historic Olivet Lane monopole vineyard: home to the oldest producing Pinot Noir vines in all of Sonoma County, now almost 50 years old.
A gorgeous site, the Olivet Lane Vineyard sits atop an undulating benchland of well-drained, gravelly, clay loam soil. Set in the very heart of the Russian River Valley appellation, it's just east of the Laguna de Santa Rosa, which means the fog lingers long here: the vines are often protected under a cool white blanket from evening through the late morning. What does this mean? Natural acidity is preserved, making for a wine that's as vibrant as it is fruit- and site-driven.
Pellegrini's 2017 edition of Olivet Lane Pinot is gorgeous: medium-bodied if boldly structured, its rich with flavors of black cherry, brambly blackberry, dark earth, spice notes and hints of eucalyptus. Soft and luxurious on the palate with a long finish, this is amazing now, but will still cellar easily for five years. (The winery says "10+"... but who's waiting that long?)