2017 Founders Reserve Pinot Noir by Sonoma-Cutrer is one of those bottles that found us. On the visit to friends, we met the parents of the winemaker of Sonoma-Cutrer winery. We had a wonderful evening talking and enjoying wine. Inevitably, my sommelier background came to light because I was “winesplaining” every bottle. As we were saying goodbye, the winemaker’s parents gifted us Founders’ Reserve Pinot.
We suspected that we were in for a treat because there were a couple of giveaway signs that it’s a great bottle.
First, it comes from the Russian River area, and it’s known for some of the best Californian Pinot Noirs.
Second, the producer listed the two vineyards that fruit for this wine came from. When vineyards are highlighted in the winemaker’s world, it typically indicates fruit of a higher quality.
Lastly, Founders Reserve name points out that this wine received exceptional care in some ways.
2017 Founders Reserve Pinot Noir by Sonoma-Cutrer
In the Glass
Only when we opened a bottle, we realized how great of a gift the 2017 Founders Reserve Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir was.
It took around 20-30 minutes for the wine to open up and release aromas of dark red rose, red cherries and raspberries, cherry tree tar, and raspberry leaf.
On the palate, Founder’s Reserve had well-incorporated yet sensible tannin and acidity. The flavors were an exciting combination of ripe fruit of black cherries and raspberries, sweet tea and cola, cherry pith, vanilla, and oak.
Finish
When it comes to Pinot Noir, we are partial. We live an hour away from Willamette Valley of Oregon that produces world-class Pinots, and we are frequent flyers there.
So when it comes to Californian Pinots, we always compare them to local wine, and often “home team” wins.
Founders Reserve had a surprisingly reach texture and velvety sensation in the mouth for Pinot Noir. Yet, acidity and tannin kept it in check. We were surprised how much we liked it. Actually, we thought it tasted as good, if not better, than some Oregon Pinots.
What are your favorite Pinot Noirs from California? And what are your thoughts on comparing Oregon, California, and Burgundy?
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