2023 Capiaux Widdoes Vineyard Pinot Noir

Russian River (Green Valley)

I've had access to Widdoes Vineyard for 28 years; named for its late owner, Don Widdoes, and farmed by Dutton Ranch who planted Martini clone Pinot Noir in 1982. The soil is quintessential Russian River Goldridge fine sandy loam. Located just West of the little town of Graton, it is a magical location for pinot noir. The fog rolls in first and burns off late in this Green Valley sub-appellation.

The appearance is dark reddish purple with a darker purple core hue.

Classic Martini clone nose that is earthy, graphite leaning, and a tinge of root beer. Russian
River textbook cherry cola/root beer flavors, raspberry and Necco wafers lightly threaded
with lavender and lilac. Concentrated, well integrated finish. Sturdy tannins for aging.

Fermentation: 20% whole cluster, 5-day cold soak, uninoculated fermentation, open top
vessel with punch downs, 11-day total maceration, malolactic in barrel aged sur lie until
bottling without fining or filtration. No acid additions.

Vinous/Galloni 94 pts
“The 2023 Pinot Noir Widdoes Vineyard is a dark, beguiling wine. Black cherry, plum,
orange peel, new leather, licorice, incense and dark spice infuse the 2023 with notable
personality and character. As always, he Widdoes has so much pedigree. Martini clone on
45-year-old vines yielded a wine with explosive aromatics and bright, sculpted red fruit. All
this needs time.”
Drinking Window: 2025 – 2033; Reviewed December 2024

Appellation: Russian River (Green Valley sub-appellation)

Vineyard: 100% Widdoes

Harvest Date: October 16th

Brix @ Harvest: 25.2

Bottling Date: August 2024

pH: 3.6

Release Date: April 2025

TA (g/1): 5.4

Aging: French oak, 30% new

Alcohol: 14.6

Months Aging: 11

Production: 199 cases