2018 Davis Bynum 'Dutton Ranches' Russian River Valley, California Pinot Noir

Bynum released his first single-vineyard Pinot Noir in 1973, a small lot of wine from the Rochioli Vineyard — another name that would become famous in Russian River winemaking. With that bottling and others that followed, Bynum was instrumental in bringing prestige to the region’s vineyards.

Davis Bynum wines showcase terroir — differences in flavor from distinct sites. The 2018 Dutton Ranches Pinot Noir comes from the Dutton Gregori and Dutton Lorenzo vineyards in the Green Valley neighborhood of the Russian River Valley AVA, a cool-climate area.

Dijon clone 667 Pinot Noir, which has a generous fruit profile and lots of complexity, was chosen from both vineyards. Aging the cuvee in a higher amount of new French oak to match the high-toned fruit resulted in a wine that’s supple and engaging — another in a long line of Davis Bynum success stories.