PHILOSOPHY
While Domaine Chandon is best known as one of America’s top sparkling wine houses, we also produce limited quantities of still wines from the traditional champagnes varieties. We have now expanded our offerings to include premium wines from regions that are well-known for producing excellent quality Pinot Noir grapes. In addition to a Reserve Pinot Noir from select parcels from our estate in Carneros, we now also offer a Reserve Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley and from Santa Rita Hills.

The Russian River Valley appellation in Sonoma County is one of California’s premier cool-climate viticultural regions. The morning fog that travles along the channel cut by the Russian River provides a temperate environment for grapes grown in the region. The sandy loam soil and alluvial deposits on river benchlands offer excellent soil for wine growing. This combination of climate and soil provides an ideal location for Pinot Noir to express its elegant character.

TASTING NOTES
The enticing aromas of cocoa powder, red plum, black cherry and cedar are a prelude to flavors of black cherry, dried cranberry, cocoa powder and cardamom filling the soft, supple palate. The finish lingers with appealing vanilla bean notes and the well integrated tannins suggest that this wine will age well for the next 3 to 5 years.

FOOD PAIRING
A lightly seasoned roast rack of lamb topped with a fig reduction sauce complements the texture and flavor of this Pinot noir that could also be served alongside a black truffle risotto. With the easily approachable tannins, this wine may be served with a Black Forest cake which will accentuate the cocoa spice and cherry flavors.

Vintage: 2007

Appellation: Russian River Valley

Composition: 100 % Pinot Noir

Aging: 20 months
100% French Oak
50% New Oak