2017 Merry Edwards Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir

WA93The 2017 Pinot Noir Klopp Ranch comes mainly from vines planted in the late 1980s in Goldridge soils, mostly Pommard clone, plus some younger vines planted to Dijon clones. It’s medium ruby-purple in the glass and has a fragrant nose of warm cinnamon, mushrooms, moss-covered bark, rhubarb and red and black berries with notions of lilac and tangerine peel. It’s medium-bodied, silky and loaded with perfumed fruit layers, with a frame of chocolate-textured tannins and juicy acidity begging you to take another sip, finishing very long and very layered.
JD93 The 2017 Pinot Noir Klopp Ranch is from a mix of clones and a 37-acre vineyard planted in 1982 in the Russian River Valley. It has a smoky, ripe bouquet of mulled black fruits, licorice, roasted herbs, and chocolate, with more floral and sappy notes developing with time in the glass. It also gains freshness and vibrancy with air and is medium to full-bodied, with a deep, layered mid-palate, ripe tannins, and a great finish. This sexy, seamless, classic Russian River Pinot Noir has loads to love. It needs a decant if drinking any time soon and should evolve nicely for 8-10 years with no issues.
Estate Notes: A deep garnet color portends a wine of depth and richness. The 2017 vintage has given us a classic Klopp Ranch — luxuriant with black raspberry, brambleberry, berry compote, blackberry pie and very ripe Bing cherry. The aroma expands with hints of lavender, cassis and toasted brioche. Earthy notes reminiscent of mushrooms sprouting on a forest floor, along with smoky bacon, add highlights. The palate is bright on entry with inviting dark fruit, cocoa and cola. Tannins are firm but round and rich while the finish shows off black pepper and dark cherry. Good acid balance keeps the wine lively and foretells a long future for this Pinot. Pairs well with braised five-spice ribs, duck breast with blackberry reduction, ratatouille, and veal milanese.