2020 Sonoma Bench Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 750 ml

The original Sonoma Bench Russian River Pinot Noir was custom-crafted for a high-end restaurant that ended up backing out, and was intended to be a one-off. But because of the enthusiasm Wine Access members showed after snapping up our allocation of it, winemaker David Sayre knew he had to craft another—and he couldn’t rest on his laurels.

How’d he up the ante on an already member-favorite Pinot value? Upgrade the vineyards. His follow-up is sourced from the coveted Green Valley of Russian River Valley.

This mist-covered AVA is perhaps the quintessential expression of the region's Pinot—and one of the most prestigious. Vineyards like Keefer Ranch, Martinelli’s Bondi Home Ranch, and Hartford Court’s Fog Dance have made it one of the most famous and coveted Pinot-growing regions in California.

Sayre has kept his finger on the pulse of Sonoma County over his two decades as a winemaker there. His hive of connections allows him to access some of the top vineyards in the area, and for this one, he tapped some of Sonoma’s best sites for Pinot Noir. 

More than other parts of the Russian River Valley, fog defines Green Valley: It’s the first place it rolls in and the last place it burns off. That allows the Pinot Noir there to ripen slowly in the region’s famed Goldridge soils, developing elegant flavors balanced on a vibrant line of acidity. 

The long hang-times produce rich fruit whose power is matched by a bright acidic edge. After ten months in 30% new French oak, the wine gains accents of gorgeous spice and vanilla, giving off the vibe of the much pricier bottles you typically find from the area.