Quick Sip: DuNah Estate Vineyard 2008 Pinot Noir

Hello Friends,

Just about every Tuesday at 9PM EST, you’ll find me tuned into Cellars of Sonoma TV Tuesday Live. Proprietor and host Kevin Jordan showcases a number of small family-owned and operated boutique wine producers throughout Sonoma County . My wine blogging buddy @DanGod1 (The Iowa Wino), who is affectionately known in Twitter wine circles as Miles, was thrilled that Scott would be interviewing Rick DuNah of DuNah Vineyard and Winery for this particular broadcast. He was even more thrilled that we would have the opportunity to taste one of Rick’s pre-released wines; the DuNah Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley 2008 Pinot Noir (now you get the aforementioned Miles reference).

DuNah Estate Vineyard RRV 2008 Pinot Noir

DuNah Vineyard and Winery is situated in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley near the small town of Sebastopol and specializes in limited-production Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. All Rick’s wines are naturally fermented (including secondary fermentation) and non-interventionist techniques are employed in the cellar. Rick says, “This best expresses what the grapes are saying in the vineyard.” Best known for his time spent at Flowers Vineyards and Winery (very good Pinot Noir producer), winemaker Greg La Follette, who specializes in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, makes wines for DuNah. The DuNah Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley 2008 Pinot Noir marries traditional Burgundian style characteristics with new world flair. In the glass, the wine displays a bright translucent ruby red color with inviting and complex [perfumed] black cherry and cranberry aromas with soft earthy undertones, a sprinkling of Asian five-spice powder, cedar, and dried rose petal nuances. The aromas follow through to the palate where they integrate nicely with layered flavors, a smooth, soft texture, and a pleasing lengthy finish. My wine blogging friends @DanGod1 (aka Miles), @awanderingwino, and @tampawinewoman all gave this wine two thumbs stems up. The DuNah Estate Vineyard RRV 2008 Pinot Noir is priced at $45 (fair IMO) and Rick suggests pairing it with salmon or red meat dishes and goes on to add, “the style is such it goes with just about everything.” Due to the very limited production (a few hundred cases) of this Pinot Noir, the best way to secure a bottle is by using the links below. Cheers!

To view the winemaker interview with Rick on Ustream click here. Cheers!

Click here to visit the DuNah Estate website.

Click here to visit the Cellars of Sonoma website.