THE BENEFACTOR-Pinot Noir-Russian River Valley 2023

The 2023 Benefactor Pinot Noir captures the essence of the Russian River Valley with its balance of opulence, purity, and finesse. In the glass, it reveals a deep ruby hue with garnet reflections. The nose opens with an inviting bouquet of black cherry, wild strawberry, and red currant, layered with rose petal, forest floor, and a hint of cocoa-dusted oak. On the palate, the wine is silky yet structured, offering a core of ripe raspberry, pomegranate, and spiced plum, framed by subtle notes of vanilla bean, baking spice, and sandalwood from its time in French oak (50% new). The interplay of clones 97, 2A, and 13 provides both lifted aromatics and mid-palate depth, leading to a long, graceful finish marked by fine tannins and lively acidity.