Criterion Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2023
Medium-bodied red wine · Criterion Wines
Vintage: 2023
Type
Medium-bodied red wine
Producer
Criterion Wines
Country
United States
Vintage
2023
Region & Appellation
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
Grape Varieties
100% Pinot Noir
Color & Appearance
Translucent ruby red with a bright rim and moderate viscosity, indicating a youthful and elegant red wine.
Aroma Profile
Expressive aromas of ripe red cherries, wild strawberries, and red plums, complemented by subtle undertones of damp earth, forest floor, and a touch of sweet baking spice from oak integration.
Tasting Notes
A silky and approachable palate entry featuring bright red fruit flavors that evolve into notes of cranberry and subtle cola on the mid-palate, leading into a clean, balanced, and refreshing finish.
Flavor Profile
Dominated by red cherry, raspberry, and tart cranberry, layered with nuances of wet stone, subtle spice, and a delicate herbal note.
Body & Texture
Medium-bodied with a velvety, supple mouthfeel that balances fruit concentration with a smooth, elegant texture.
Acidity & Tannins
High, refreshing acidity that lifts the vibrant red fruit flavors, paired with fine-grained, soft, and approachable tannins characteristic of cool-climate Russian River Pinot Noir.
Sweetness Level
Dry
Alcohol Content
13.5% to 14.2% ABV
Aging & Oak
Aged in a combination of French oak barrels, balancing primary fruit expression with subtle secondary notes of toast and vanilla.
Food Pairings
Ideal with roasted poultry such as duck or chicken, pan-seared salmon, mushroom risotto, and mild soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly chilled at 60-65°F in a wide-bellied Pinot Noir glass. Decanting for 30 minutes can help open up the aromatics.
Price Range
$20 - $30 USD
Quality Assessment
Solid premium-tier everyday wine offering excellent representation of the Russian River Valley terroir at an accessible price point, scoring around 88-90 points.
Production Methods
Hand-harvested fruit, destemmed with gentle crushing, fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using cultured yeasts, followed by barrel aging.
Terroir
Cool maritime climate influenced by Pacific fog rolling up the Russian River Valley, resulting in slow ripening, preserved natural acidity, and intense varietal character.
History & Heritage
Criterion is crafted to highlight hallmark varietal characteristics and distinct regional expressions from classic wine regions around the world.
Interesting Facts
Criterion specializes in sourcing classic varietals from prominent wine regions, offering consumers textbook style representations at high-value price points.
Cellaring Potential
Best enjoyed within 3 to 5 years of the vintage to appreciate its vibrant fresh fruit characteristics.
Similar Wines
La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Meiomi Pinot Noir, or MacMurray Estate Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.