Addax, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 2019 by Russell Bevan

About the Producer                                                                       
Crafted by Russell Bevan, one of the most sought-after winemakers in California today, Addax is an artisan winery founded by Brian Kearney and Josh Peeples. What began with a few friends and a few barrels of Cabernet in 2009 has evolved into a phenomenal portfolio of wines, including Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, Petaluma Gap and Sta. Rita Pinot Noir, and a selection of Sonoma Chardonnays.

After more than a decade, we continue our quest to work with exceptional vineyard sites to produce wines with brazen personality. As a part of The Institution family of wines, made at 2100 Hoffmane Lane, we utilize our winery in Yountville to highlight some of California’s most sought-after vineyards. Our dedicate cellar team is passionate about producing wines that stand shoulder to shoulder with the most sought after wines in the world.

Bevan is one of the most sought after winemakers today and one of the world’s most acclaimed. A superstar with critics, colleagues and consumers alike. Wine critics regularly praise his wines, providing correspondingly sky-high scores.  You would recognize his work from a number of our past wine club favorites such as Elyse, Belden Barns, Morgado, and his own label, Bevan Cellars.

About the Wine
Another Russell Bevan home run, Addax is an artisan wine brand led by Brian Kearney and Josh Peeples. The brand began with a few friends and 4 barrels of Cabernet back in 2009, and has evolved into a phenomenal portfolio of wines, including Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir, and a Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.

Russell’s approach to winemaking was perhaps best summarized by the words of Robert Parker:  “In many respects, the impressively talented visionary Russell Bevan produces wines very much in his own bigger-than-life, boisterous image. With his serious insider knowledge, which gives him access to some great sources that other producers somehow have missed, he seems to magically transform his wines into personality-filled, savory, intensely flavored efforts.”

This 2018 Sonoma Coast Pinot was crafted from the Pfendler vineyards in the Petaluma Gap region of the Sonoma Coast. Deep purple in color, this is truly a Cabernet drinker’s Pinot Noir. 

Lucky for us, it’s also a mushroom lover’s Pinot. Every Thanksgiving in my home we make a side of Wild Rice and Mushrooms. It’s one of my favorite parts of the holiday meal. This dish is filled to the brim with beautiful crimini and oyster mushrooms, and this wine is the perfect pairing. The mushrooms are beautifully accented by the earthen tones in the wine. Savory never seemed so sweet.  

Grape / Blend
100% Pinot Noir

Origin
Petaluma Gap, Sonoma County, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
This beautiful, deep purple Pinot Noir was crafted from the Silver Eagle Vineyard in the hills of Green Valley and the Pfendler vineyards in the Petaluma Gap region of the Sonoma Coast. Aged in 100% new French oak, this blockbuster Pinot is packed with aromas of mountain berry, clove, and Ibarra cocoa. Medium-bodied with an exotic palate of asian spices and chocolate. Plush tannins and a finish to match.

Ian Blackburn- 96+ Points
Inky saturation, dense and fleshy! About as punctuated as Pinot Noir can get, representing a great value as others in its weight class that cost 2x's as much. This is chiseled, romanesque, rich and round...while holding on to the varietal character and nuance of the vineyard designation. Deep and dark...ripe and rich cherry compote, asian duck (with sauce), generous earth nuances, and an entire spice garden retained by a lovely French oak vanilla frame...stunning wine.  Bravo!

Product size: 750ml