Red Tail Ridge, Pinot Noir 2020

• producer: Red Tail Ridge
• region: Finger Lakes
• ava: Finger Lakes
• country: USA
• grape variety: pinot noir
• production notes: woman winemaker/owner

Red Tail Ridge is located on Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes of New York, arguably the most desirable spot in the area for wine production. Winemaker Nancy Irelan is one of the most technically knowledgeable wine people we’ve ever met. She holds a Ph. D in grape genetics in the UC-Davis Viticulture and Enology Department and has been in the field for 35 years. She spent 10 years at E & J Gallo, a giant company whose  wines can be found almost everywhere and acts as an umbrella brand for well-known brands like Carlo Rossi, Barefoot, and their flagship brand, Gallo Family Winery. Red Tail Ridge is her response to her time working in large volume production. She sees it as a “personal journey of introspection” through winemaking that stays as close to the land as possible.

Red cherry and raspberry aromas and flavors on the palate with a hint of violets and anise. The finish is smoky with a touch of vanilla brought out by the Hungarian and French oak barrels used during fermentation.