2023 Waugh Russian River Pinot Noir

Harvest Date(s): October 6, 2023

Brix: 25.1

pH: 3.70

% Alcohol: 14.62%

Production: 110 cases

Composition: 100% Pinot Noir

The long, cool 2023 growing season was particularly well suited to Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley, allowing the fruit to develop slowly while retaining beautiful natural acidity and freshness. The resulting wine showed remarkable concentration from the beginning — a powerful, muscular expression of Pinot Noir with the depth and structure to evolve beautifully over time.

Recognizing the natural intensity of the wine, we chose to age it for two full years in 100% neutral oak. The wine already possessed ample structure and tannin, and introducing new oak would have competed with the fruit and added weight where none was needed. The neutral barrels allowed the wine to develop slowly while preserving its purity, texture, and varietal character. An additional year in bottle before release has allowed those elements to integrate while retaining the wine's energy and power.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with brilliant clarity and impressive saturation for Pinot Noir.

• Aromas: Beautifully expressive, with layers of black cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry, and red plum, joined by rose petal, subtle earth, warm spice, and a touch of forest floor.

• Palate: Rich, concentrated, and beautifully textured. Ripe cherry, raspberry, and red plum are layered with savory spice and earthy complexity. There is real power through the mid-palate, yet the wine remains unmistakably Pinot Noir — lifted, energetic, and elegant rather than heavy.

• Acidity: Gorgeous natural acidity provides freshness and tension, carrying the richness of the fruit while keeping the wine vibrant and focused.

• Tannins: Fine-grained and substantial, giving the wine its muscular structure while remaining polished and beautifully integrated.

• Finish: Long, layered, and persistent, with lingering red fruit, spice, and savory notes. Powerful yet refined, with the texture, freshness, and elegance that define classic Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.