Staff Selections • Noelle Starr
Seasonal Pick 2025
L’Oliveto Pinot Noir
(Russian River Valley, California)
Surdyk's Price
The Russian River Valley AVA is a true gem of Sonoma County, named for the river that winds its way to the Pacific, bringing with it a cool microclimate perfect for growing world-class wine. The region’s misty mornings and sunny afternoons mean an extended ripening period which result in wines with exceptional depth, refined tannins, and beautifully balanced acidity. L’Oliveto Pinot Noir comes from Brack Mountain Wine Company, founded in 2008 by Jason Enos and winemaker, Chris Fitzgerald. Rather than take on the staggering cost of purchasing land in California’s top wine-growing regions, they chose a different path – partnering with small, family-owned vineyards through long-term contracts. This allows them to craft exceptional wines from the regions they love while passing the savings on to the customer. Their RRV Pinot shows luscious cherry and black raspberry fruit that unfolds into layers of earthy richness, dried herbs, and a touch of warm baking spice. The vibrant fruit carries through to a silky, elegant finish. Pair it with grilled salmon (I coat mine in a smoky-sweet blend of paprika, brown sugar, and thyme) or a creamy mushroom risotto for a truly unforgettable experience.