2022 Ancient Oak Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California

ABOUT THE WINE

Sourced primarily from Ancient Oak’s Siebert Ranch estate vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley, this Pinot Noir benefits from the AVA’s hallmark marine influence—foggy 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 barrels—primarily neutral, with a light touch of new oak—the 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 philosophy—elegant, expressive, and rooted in the land from which it comes.