Reviews & Ratings

2012 Balletto Pinot Noir "Russian River Valley"

Winery: Balletto

Vintage: 2012

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Russian River Valley"

Wine Category: Pinot Noir

Grape blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Russian River Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $29

Cases produced: 7,910

KWG Score: 90 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89)

Review date: November 7, 2014

Wine Review: This dark red colored Pinot Noir from Balletto opens with a red plum bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, mouthwatering and on the acidic side. The flavor profile is a ripe red plum and red raspberry blend with notes of strawberry. I also detected some red currant and a touch of oak behind the fruit. The finish is dry, while its acidity and fruit flavors linger for a little while. This very good Pinot would be a perfect offering with roasted pork with sage, rosemary, and garlic. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: This ruby-colored Pinot Noir has an intense aromatic profile that begins with equal parts bright fruit (dark cherry, tart rhubarb, floral violets) and savory elements of cola, cardamom and coffee. Then there is a touch of dark toast and forest-floor earthliness that round out the aromas and give it extra depth. The smells are complex and ever-changing in the glass over time. In the mouth, the brambly fruit aromas reappear and are surrounded by a perfect viscosity that has plenty of weight without going over the top. A crisp acidity keeps the wine lively and intertwines nicely with the structure. Its full across the palate with fine, coco-like tannins and a nice dose of astringency that lends additional grip and structure to this wine. Overall, the wine has struck the fine balance between delicate and structured, and will improve with bottle aging during the next three to five years (or more). It is undeniably Pinot Noir grown and made to be distinct, elegant and delicious.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Balletto 2012 Russian River Pinot Noir.