2017 Highland Divide Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Pinot Noir Highland Divide is rich and boisterous in the glass. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, hard candy, cola and spice are amped up in a Pinot that captures all of the natural exuberance of the Russian River. Readers will find an especially bold, juicy style.
Critic scores
Average Score
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2017 Pinot Noir Highland Divide has a pretty floral perfume with lavender, sage leaf, tree bark, amaro and underbrush with dried leaves and black berries at the core. Light to medium-bodied, it has a good fruit core sturdily framed with grainy tannins and great freshness, finishing lifted and energetic.
This delivers an impressive array of fresh red-cherry and plum aromas. The palate rolls out in a lithe, juicy style with plenty of juicy fruit tannin, defining the long, fresh and smooth-honed finish. Drink or hold.
Another Russian River release, the 2017 Pinot Noir Highland Divide comes primarily from the estate’s DuMOL Vineyard as well as a small amount from the Jentoft Vineyard. From Calera, Swan, and 943 clones and brought up in 45% new oak, its darker ruby color is followed by savory notes of black fruits, smoked earth, chocolate, and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, it’s nicely concentrated, has plenty of elegance and purity, and a balanced profile that’s going to evolve nicely for at least a decade.