Winemaker Rob Fischer cut his teeth at Domaine Carneros then Donum estate, Etude, Lyric and Beaulieu Vineyards. Along with owner Baron Ziegler they have such a strong network of relationships in Sonoma County that back in 2014 when they were offered a parcel of grapes that weren’t going in to production, Valravn was born. Today Valravn has spread its wings finding a vineyard parcel here and a row there to craft quintessential Sonoma County wines that are out of the gate approachable, delicious and table ready. Hand-sorted grapes undergo cold soak in the cellar, followed by primary fermentation in small open-top stainless steel tanks. Following primary, the wine transferred to a blend of 20% new Cavin, François Freres, Remond, Fouailly, and Tremeaux barrels for ten months malolactic and aging. Dark garnet in colour, the 2020 Valravn Pinot Noir explodes out of the glass with rich scents of blackberry compote, cinnamon, and cedar. While showing the salty balance of cool-climate Pinot Noir, the wine exudes concentrated black fruits on the palate, coming from the Russian River vineyards, which comprised about 40% of the blend. An unctuous palate weight balances flavors of cassis, black plum, and framboise. The wine has excellent complexity and plays in a category far above its modest price point.