Noah River Pinot Noir 2023 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
Noah River Pinot Noir 2023 is sourced from vineyards across California’s North Coast, drawing on a blend of coastal influences and inland moderation that together shape a bright, fruit-forward, and approachable style of Pinot Noir. The vineyards contributing to this bottling come from sites with cool marine winds, fog-laden mornings, and well-draining soils—key conditions for preserving Pinot Noir’s delicacy and natural acidity.

Much of the fruit is grown in gravelly loams and sandy alluvial beds, soils that limit vigor and encourage smaller berries with good skin-to-juice ratios. The North Coast’s gentle slopes and varied exposures allow for slow ripening, and in 2023 the growing season was defined by a cooler spring, a mild summer, and an extended harvest window. This combination resulted in a vintage with vivid aromatics, moderate alcohol, and balanced ripeness—an excellent year for accessible yet varietally pure Pinot Noir.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Noah River’s winemaking approach emphasizes clarity of fruit, soft texture, and early drinkability. Grapes are harvested at moderate ripeness, then destemmed but left largely intact to encourage gentle extraction. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel at cool temperatures, protecting the fragrance of red berries and floral notes that are central to the wine’s style.

Maceration times are intentionally modest, ensuring tannins remain smooth and round. After primary fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic conversion, enhancing its plush, silky mouthfeel. Aging takes place partly in stainless steel and partly in neutral and lightly toasted French oak, which contributes subtle spice, a touch of vanilla, and faint savory undertones without overshadowing the fruit.

The final blend reflects a stylistic aim: a Pinot Noir that is soft, aromatic, and versatile, with enough complexity to rise above simple quaffability while staying friendly and unpretentious.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: A bright, translucent ruby with a youthful sheen and a lightly pink-rimmed edge, showing the grape’s natural elegance.

Aromas: Fresh and inviting. Notes of ripe strawberry, red cherry, and raspberry compote leap forward, joined by gentle hints of rose petal, red plum skin, and cranberry. With air, subtle layers emerge—vanilla bean, baking spice, tea leaf, and soft cedar—all delivered with a light hand. A faint echo of forest floor and dried herbs adds a touch of earthy nuance.

Palate: Light to medium-bodied with a polished, silky entry. The fruit remains vivid and pure, showcasing cherry, wild strawberry, and pomegranate. The mid-palate carries a soft, rounded texture, accented by clove, cinnamon, and a whisper of toasted oak. Tannins are smooth, pliant, and understated, giving structure without grip. Acidity is lively but gentle, brightening the fruit and keeping the wine refreshing. The finish lingers with notes of red berries, subtle spice, and a faint mineral lift.

Food Pairing & Service
Noah River Pinot Noir 2023 is a highly adaptable food wine, pairing beautifully with dishes that emphasize freshness, lighter proteins, and gentle aromatics.

Excellent pairings include:

• Roasted chicken with herbs and lemon
• Seared salmon or steelhead with a light soy-ginger glaze
• Grilled pork tenderloin with cranberry or cherry reduction
• Mushroom risotto or farro with roasted maitakes
• Margherita or mushroom pizza with olive oil and basil
• Turkey with savory herbs, making it an ideal wine for holiday meals

Its bright acidity also complements softer cheeses like Camembert, Brie, or Humboldt Fog, and its red-fruit nature pairs well with charcuterie.

Serve at 55–60°F (13–16°C) to highlight its freshness and aromatic delicacy. A brief 15–20 minute chill can be helpful if the wine is served in a warmer room. Decanting is optional; a simple generous swirl in the glass will allow the aromatics to broaden.