Iron Horse Vineyards
Gold Ridge Pinot Noir
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
The Gold Ridge is three clones of Pinot Noir selected from four excellent sites on the estate to create this complex and elegant blend. The unifying factor is our highly prized Gold Ridge soil, among the most coveted, especially for Pinot Noir.
Vineyards
At Iron Horse “Estate Bottled” means that the winemaking begins in the vineyard. Our location in Green Valley represents the very best soil (Gold Ridge), climate and aspects for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Our goal is to grow the best wine grapes through what we call “precision farming.” To achieve uniformity of maturity we map our blocks according to soil type and aspect, then select the appropriate variety, clone, and rootstock. All pruning, canopy management, irrigation and cover crop decisions are determined on a block-by-block (and sometimes even vine-by-vine) basis, considering both the vintage at hand and the long-term needs of the land.
Winemaking
When making Pinot Noir the key is to avoid any variability of ripeness and maturity within the vines and clusters. If necessary, parts of a single block may be picked on different days. Hand picked, the grapes are de-stemmed into small open-top half ton macro bin fermenters or into stain-less steel tanks where they are cold-soaked (using dry ice) for four to seven days. Before fermentation is complete, the new wine is gently pressed from the skins and transferred to French oak barrels. Fermentation then goes to completion in the barrels, allowing us to stir the lees as the wine goes through malolactic fermentation. Wine is aged for 9 months in French oak barrels that are 4.5 years old.
Tasting Notes
Hearty ripeness with a silky texture and roundness. By nose, toasted oak, plum compote and cardamom. By mouth, black berry, plum with soft, but supportive tannins.
Color
Red
Grape Varieties
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
Alcohol
14.0%
Suggested Retail Price
$78.00
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Russian Cuvée
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
Russian Cuvée has multiple layers of meaning. Originally named for the historic Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meetings in 1985, it also refers to the vineyard’s unique location in the Russian River Valley. The Russian Cuvée is the “richest” in the Iron Horse line up, though it is still technically brut-level dry. A perfect toasting wine, served at White House State Dinners for six consecutive Presidential Administrations, it boasts aromas of caramel apple, nutmeg and orange zest, flavors of ripe red apple, lime, brioche and brown sugar on the palate. It is equally comfortable at the end of the meal with dessert as at the start of the meal for a toast.
Ocean Reserve Blanc de Blancs
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
Ocean Reserve is a special, limited edition, vintage Blanc de Blancs, created in partnership with National Geographic. Iron Horse dedicated its Blanc de Blancs to National Geographic’s Ocean Initiative as a nod to the Pacific Ocean, which is the engine behind the fog and cool, coastal influence in the Green Valley; $4 per bottle sold goes to establishing marine protected areas and supporting sustainable fishing practices around the globe. The Ocean Reserve’s racy lime and tangerine notes, saline acidity, and beautiful creamy finish, conjures images of the ocean itself and pairs flawlessly with all manner of seafood.
Wedding Cuvée
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
The irresistible Wedding Cuvée has witnessed countless special moments since its inception in 1980, served at engagements, weddings, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day celebrations. Iron Horse’s play on a Blanc de Noirs, this wine features extremely expressive and fruit forward Pinot Noir lots blended with just a touch of steely Chardonnay to add a firm acid backbone. A romantic tinge of pink in the glass hints at the character of the Pinot Noir in this cuvée, and raspberry and nutmeg aromas on the nose are followed by juicy stone fruit, lively blood orange, and red berry flavors that are held seamlessly together with refined and delicate bubbles. Dangerously easy to drink.
Classic Vintage Brut
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
The flagship of the estate, this wine shows everything the family strives to accomplish. The quality and finesse strike memory bells that say “Champagne,” while the flavors are unmistakably Sonoma County, Russian River, Green Valley and most distinctly Iron Horse. Delightful and complex rising dough, orange marmalade and baked apple aromas lead to an exquisitely balanced palate with flavors of ripe red apple, mandarin orange and hazelnut. The complexity of flavors and textures are perhaps only overshadowed by the sheer pleasure of enjoyment.