Passion Pinot Noir 2024

$95.00

Passion - a taste of old Burgundy with a distinctly California attitude.

Ripe dark cherry and black plum lead the nose, accented by subtle spice and earthy undertones. The palate is fuller and more structured than many Pinot Noir clones, with firm tannins, vibrant acidity and layers of red and black fruit. A touch of forest floor and cocoa lingers on the long, savory finish.

Passion, a Russian River Pinot Noir inspired by the “Pommard clone” actually a California import from cuttings taken in Burgundy and cleaned up at UC Davis. Only lightly oaked, emphasizing the grape's flavor purity and terroir.

  • Appearance: Medium ruby to deep garnet, darker than neighboring sub-appellation Pinots.

  • Nose: Aromatic and expressive, showing dark cherry, ripe plum, and blackberry, layered with notes of spice and subtle earthiness. Hints of dried herbs, rose petal, and a touch of cocoa or clove may appear with air.

  • Palate: Firmly structured, fuller-bodied compared to many California and Oregon Pinots. Flavors echo the nose with concentrated cherry, black raspberry and plum, supported by savory undertones of mushroom, leather, and spice. The texture is more robust than many other Pinot clones, with robust tannins (especially in youth) balanced by lively acidity, concentrated fruit core with earthy, savory undertones.

  • Finish: Long, powerful finish, often with a touch of spice and minerality.

  • Ageing Potential: Long and structured, carried by ripe fruit, earthy minerality, and well-integrated tannins. Designed to age well, gaining complexity with time in bottle.

Decant for at least one hour and serve at 60°F

A “Pommard clone” Pinot Noir. A California import from cuttings taken in Burgundy decades ago, grown in our Green Valley vineyards - some of the highest quality terroir in the Russian River Valley wine region.

What makes this area so exceptional is the perfect balance of cooling oceanic winds and warm inland sunshine. Temperatures remain quite low throughout the year, resulting in wines that are very high in acidity. However, while these wines are acidic and full of bright red fruit flavors, they’re not light-bodied.

Exposure to ample sunlight causes the fruit to ripen completely on the vine and develop great intensity and concentration. This is bold, well-structured Pinot Noir that can age for a decade or more.

Following fermentation, the wine was transferred into new French oak barrels where malolactic fermentation took place.

All of the barrels come from French cooperages with whom we have had an association for over twenty years. Selected from two French forests, the wood is air dried and coopered in Burgundy over a five-year production period and finished with a special “toasting” suited to the delicate characteristics of our wines.

Only 550 cases produced. Our vineyards are farmed to the code of sustainable agriculture using traditional techniques, based on strict control of yields, manual harvests and numerous quality specific tasks that are carried out by hand throughout the year.

Little or no chemical fertilizers are used. Selection and planting of cover crops and their return to the soil provides additional organic nutrients allowing our vines to reach an advanced age and produce outstanding grapes.
Color Red
Vintage 2024
Harvest Date 7th Oct 2023
Vintage 26°
Style Red Burgundy
Appellation Russian River Valley
Varietal Pinot Noir
Date Bottled 4th Aug 2025
Drinkable 2026-2042
Alcohol 14.20%
Bottle Size 750ml

Pairings