2022 Ancient Oak Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California
ABOUT THE WINE
Sourced primarily from Ancient Oakâs Siebert Ranch estate vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley, this Pinot Noir benefits from the AVAâs hallmark marine influenceâfoggy mornings and cool evenings that extend ripening and preserve natural acidity. The 2022 vintage offered ideal growing conditions: moderate warmth with consistent diurnal shifts that allowed for slow, balanced fruit development and excellent phenolic maturity.
The fruit was hand-harvested and fermented with native yeasts, followed by gentle punchdowns and extended maceration to extract nuanced flavor and tannin. Aged in French oak barrelsâprimarily neutral, with a light touch of new oakâthe wine emphasizes purity of fruit and site expression over heavy winemaking influence. Notes of pomegranate, dried herbs, and a faint mineral thread add depth and lift. A natural match for dishes like duck breast with cherry glaze, mushroom risotto, or a simple roast pork with fennel.
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Ancient Oak Cellars is a family-owned winery in Sonoma County, rooted in the stewardship of the Siebert Ranch, a heritage vineyard planted in the mid-20th century and farmed today by Melissa Moholt-Siebert and her team. While the winery is not certified organic or biodynamic, Ancient Oak follows a sustainably focused farming philosophy, incorporating practices like cover cropping, dry farming where possible, sheep grazing for weed control, and participation in the Fish Friendly Farming program.
The winery is known for crafting site-driven, small-lot wines from estate and local fruit, emphasizing native fermentation, restrained oak usage, and minimal cellar intervention. The 2022 Pinot Noir is a signature expression of their philosophyâelegant, expressive, and rooted in the land from which it comes.
Description
ABOUT THE WINE
Sourced primarily from Ancient Oakâs Siebert Ranch estate vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley, this Pinot Noir benefits from the AVAâs hallmark marine influenceâfoggy mornings and cool evenings that extend ripening and preserve natural acidity. The 2022 vintage offered ideal growing conditions: moderate warmth with consistent diurnal shifts that allowed for slow, balanced fruit development and excellent phenolic maturity.
The fruit was hand-harvested and fermented with native yeasts, followed by gentle punchdowns and extended maceration to extract nuanced flavor and tannin. Aged in French oak barrelsâprimarily neutral, with a light touch of new oakâthe wine emphasizes purity of fruit and site expression over heavy winemaking influence. Notes of pomegranate, dried herbs, and a faint mineral thread add depth and lift. A natural match for dishes like duck breast with cherry glaze, mushroom risotto, or a simple roast pork with fennel.
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Ancient Oak Cellars is a family-owned winery in Sonoma County, rooted in the stewardship of the Siebert Ranch, a heritage vineyard planted in the mid-20th century and farmed today by Melissa Moholt-Siebert and her team. While the winery is not certified organic or biodynamic, Ancient Oak follows a sustainably focused farming philosophy, incorporating practices like cover cropping, dry farming where possible, sheep grazing for weed control, and participation in the Fish Friendly Farming program.
The winery is known for crafting site-driven, small-lot wines from estate and local fruit, emphasizing native fermentation, restrained oak usage, and minimal cellar intervention. The 2022 Pinot Noir is a signature expression of their philosophyâelegant, expressive, and rooted in the land from which it comes.
