Dec 30, 2022
Search This Site:
Russian River Vineyards
| Owner(s) | Anthony Austin, Giovanni Balistreri, Debra Del Florentino, Chris O'Neill, Barbara Sattler |
| Web site | www.russianrivervineyards.com |
| Link to this site |
This storied winery is one of the oldest in the Russian River Valley. It was built in 1969 by Robert Lasden with a design inspired the myriad of hop kilns that dotted the landscape of the Russian River Valley. There have been many owners through the years. The current owners are Chris O'Neill, Barbara Sattler, Sonoma County native Giovanni Balistreri, Anthony Austin and Debra Del Florentino. Together they have renovated the estate, creating a sustainable and organic winery.
The winery has extensive event facilities, a restaurant (Corks at Russian River Vineyards), a farm and a line of wines that carry the Russian River Vineyards and RRV Limited labels.
The current lineup of wines have been crafted since 2012 by Giovanni Balistreri who honed his skills in the cellar under the tutelage of Anthony Austin. The lineup includes a RRV Limited Mendocino County Pinot Noir and an RRV Limited Sonoma Coast Left Edge Selection Pinot Noir. In 2017, Giovanni began making Pinot Noir from the Balistreri Family Vineyard in Freestone that he planted with his father. Several other varietals are produced as well. The wines are sold through the website.
The tasting room is open daily 11:30-4:30. Corks is open Wednesday through Saturday; Monday is Family night.
Consult the website for tasting room and restaurant hours, and special event information.
Articles About Russian River Vineyards
Reviewed Wines
2008 Russian River Vineyards Limited Left Edge Selection Manchester Ridge Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Chardonnay
14.1% alc., $34. Wente and
Dijon clones. Aged 10 months surlees in 50% new and 50% neutral oak barrels.
·
Pale golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon zest, white peach and
butter. Plenty of interest on the palate with flavors of pears, tangerines, lemons,
roasted nuts and creme brulee. Appealing richness with bright acidity leading to a
citrus-laden refreshing finish. Not as rich as the Tandem bottling but equally
satisfying. Very good (+).
Reviewed January 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Russian River Vineyards Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $28. Small lot
fermented, aged 1 year in 30% new French oak barrels.
·
Complex aromatic profile featuring
black cherries, herbs, forest floor, oak and a little barnyard. Dark stone fruits are lavishly
oaked, the tannins are supple, and a firm grip of citrus-driven acidity brings up the finish.
Needs food. Decent.
Reviewed March 11, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Russian River Vineyards Limited Left Edge Selection Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $60.Anthony Austin is the winemaker. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels.
Dark reddish-purple color in the glass.
·
A touch of reduction initially resolves with time in the
glass revealing smoky and woodsy dark cherry and berry fruits. The black raspberry and
black cherry fruit displays an impressive fullness and roundness in the mouth, but the wine
offers little nuance or flavor impact. The tannins are beautifully integrated and the
refreshing finish is bright with citrus peel acidity. A linear, fruit-driven wine that may offer
more interest given more time in the cellar. Good.
Reviewed March 11, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Russian River Vineyards Limited Left Edge Selection Manchester Ridge Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Chardonnay
14.1% alc., $34. Wente and Dijon clones. Aged 10 months surlees in 50% new and 50% neutral oak barrels. · Pale golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon zest, white peach and butter. Plenty of interest on the palate with flavors of pears, tangerines, lemons, roasted nuts and creme brulee. Appealing richness with bright acidity leading to a citrus-laden refreshing finish. Not as rich as the Tandem bottling but equally satisfying. Very good (+). Reviewed January 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Russian River Vineyards Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $28. Small lot fermented, aged 1 year in 30% new French oak barrels. · Complex aromatic profile featuring black cherries, herbs, forest floor, oak and a little barnyard. Dark stone fruits are lavishly oaked, the tannins are supple, and a firm grip of citrus-driven acidity brings up the finish. Needs food. Decent. Reviewed March 11, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Russian River Vineyards Limited Left Edge Selection Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $60.Anthony Austin is the winemaker. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. · A touch of reduction initially resolves with time in the glass revealing smoky and woodsy dark cherry and berry fruits. The black raspberry and black cherry fruit displays an impressive fullness and roundness in the mouth, but the wine offers little nuance or flavor impact. The tannins are beautifully integrated and the refreshing finish is bright with citrus peel acidity. A linear, fruit-driven wine that may offer more interest given more time in the cellar. Good. Reviewed March 11, 2010 ARTICLE »