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The Russian River Valley is a world-famous subappellation of the greater Sonoma County American Viticultural Area (AVA) that produces some of the top Pinot Noirs in the country. Thanks to cooling fog that rolls off the Pacific and well-draining Goldridge soils, the Pinots from this area are often elegant in stature, rich in fruit and dotted with earthy complexity.
Within the region there are six distinct neighborhoods (Middle Reach, Santa Rosa Plains, Laguna Ridge, Green Valley, Sebastopol Hills and Eastern Hill) which each have unique microclimates, vineyard aspects and soil types that provide an array of Russian River Pinot expressions. While prices can soar in this category, there is still great value to be found.
Check out these 10 Pinot Noirs from California’s famed Russian River Valley.
