The Dude Pinot Noir 2022

Alcohol: 14%

Grape(s): Pinot Noir

Localization: Russian River Valley, California, United States

Tasting notes: This Pinot Noir possesses deep aromas of wild strawberries and ripe raspberries accentuated with exotic notes of sandalwood and rose petal. Rich and luscious palate it is focused with layers of ripe red fruits, fresh forest floor and fine-grained tannins that linger through the finish.

Notes: The Dude Russian River Pinot Noir is sourced from 2 vineyard sources within the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, southwest of the city of Sebastopol, in an area known as the Sebastopol Hills. Located just 9 miles from the Pacific Ocean and featuring the ideal sandy loam soils, which make for an ideal climatic for beautiful expressive, cool-climate Pinot Noir. These 2 western sloping vineyards feature Calera, Swan, Dijon 777 and Pommard 4 clones, all of which complement each other in the final blend. The Pinot Noir grapes were harvested at night, hand sorted and gently de-stemmed to small open-top fermenters. After a 7 day “cold soak” to extract maximum fruit character, and gentle maceration through fermentation, the wine was drained without pressing and aged in 35% new French oak barrels for 16 months.

The Domain: Canepa Koch Wine Cellars is a partnership between Mark Canepa and Neil Koch. Together Mark and Neil have over 25 years of wine industry experience. Mark and Neil have known each other since 2004 and both were recruited by Seguin Moreau (Cooperage in Napa Valley) where they both took sales positions. They quickly realized that if they combined their skills and resources they could launch something exciting. Their goal is to create wines that are well-rounded, enjoyable, and affordable. 

Neil has over 12 years of wine industry experience including 6 years working in the production side. He trained under Philip Melka at Seavey Vineyards, Bryant Family, and Vineyard 29. Based on his winemaking background he was appointed as the Enologist and Assistant Winemaker at Lewis Cellars where he facilitated the production of highly acclaimed Napa Valley Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay. Neil has also produced Pinot Noir under the “The Line Wines” Label.