Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Judged Best Pinot Noir at Sommelier Challenge

Halleck Vineyard, a family-owned, boutique Sonoma County winery specializing in Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs, is delighted to announce that its 2019 Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Russian River Valley Pinot Noir was awarded Best of Class by an expert panel of sommeliers at the 2023 Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition.

The Sommelier Challenge awards Best of Class medals infrequently. Most years, no Best of Class awards are given. “It’s rare to find a Pinot Noir that shows nearly all of the best characteristics of Russian River fruit in an expressive, evenly layered wine. It’s all here in this cuvée from Halleck Vineyards," says Rich Cook, Competition Director and Columnist at WineReviewOnline.com

This outstanding Sonoma County Pinot Noir was awarded an impressive 96 points and the coveted Best of Class Award, winning amongst 800 wines in the competition.

Halleck Vineyard Best of Class Awards

This is the seventh Best of Class Award bestowed on Halleck Vineyard wines. Here are previous varietals and vintages judged Best of Class:

1. Best of Class – 2014 Farm Russian River Valley Pinot Noir in the $67 and over category (top price point) at the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

2. Best of Class – 2016 Clone 828 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir on the $60-$69.99 category (2nd highest price point) at the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

3. Best of the Best, Best White Wine – 2018 Little Sister Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc at the 2019 Sunset Magazine International Wine Competition

4. Best White Wine in California – 2018 Little Sister Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc by the 2019 Orange County Wine Society

5. Best White Wine in California – 2018 Russian River Valley Gewurztraminer at the 2019 California State Fair

6. Best of the Best – 2001 Sonoma Coast Estate Grown Pinot Noir at the 2003 Pinot Noir Shoot Out

Crafted with meticulous care and precision, the 2019 Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is limited with just 675 cases released and only 198 cases remaining. This cool-climate red wine showcases the artistry and dedication of the winemaking team at Halleck Vineyard.

The 2019 Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is an exclusive offering and is not available in stores. Members of the Halleck Vineyard Inner Circle Wine Club have the opportunity to purchase allocations of this premium Pinot Noir.

For fine wine enthusiasts seeking an exceptional tasting experience, visitors to the Halleck Vineyard Estate Winery in Sebastopol can indulge in the flavors of this extraordinary varietal at a Wine Tasting Salon Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at the Halleck Vineyard Estate Winery in Sebastopol.

Additionally, the 2019 Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Russian River Valley Pinot Noir can be savored at select private clubs nationwide and at Michelin Star restaurants in San Francisco, Chicago and New York.

Tasting Notes

This Pinot Noir presents itself with a beautiful garnet color, exhibiting a jewel-like luster that captivates the eye. On the nose, it entices with bright red cherry and dry leaves, which gracefully transition into subtle notes of white pepper and clove. The palate is a journey, offering a clear beginning, a luscious middle filled with bright red fruit and underbrush, and a delightful finish with hints of baking spice, clove, cinnamon, and black pepper, leaving you eager for the next sip.

Winemaking Process

The grapes for this exceptional Pinot Noir were harvested before sunrise, meticulously hand-sorted, and gently de-stemmed. They underwent a cold soak for five days before commencing whole berry fermentation with two punch downs daily. Fermentation took place in an open-top five-ton fermentation tank, spanning approximately 12-16 days, followed by aging in carefully selected French Oak barrels. The barrel program consisted of 30% new French Oak, 30% one-year-old French Oak, and 40% older barrels. The wine matured in barrels for ten months, with a single racking at five months during blending.

Wine Specifications

• Appellation: Russian River Valley

• Harvest Date: September 2019

• Acid: 6.19 g/L

• pH: 3.67

• Bottling Date: August 2020

• Residual Sugar: 1.19 g/L

• Alcohol: 14.3%

2023 Sommelier Judges

1. Chief Wine & Spirits Judge: Jesse Rodriguez, National Director of Sales, FUTO Estate, Big Sky, Montana

2. Sommelier Judge: Dana Farner, Winery and Import Consultant, Storica, Minneapolis, Minnesota

3. Sommelier Judge: Nicholas George, GM & Wine Director, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, San Diego, California

4. Sommelier Judge: Nick Burns, Manager & Sommelier, Tango Room, Dallas, Texas

5. Sommelier Judge: Lisa Redwine, GM & Wine Buyer, Market Restaurant + Bar, San Diego, California

6. Sommelier Judge: Zack Musick, Director of Education, The German Wine Collection, Orange County, California

7. Sommelier Judge: Meghan Vergara, Proprietor, M Rose, Napa, California

8. Sommelier Judge: Adam Jesberger, Director of Operations, Rancho Guejito Vineyards, San Diego, California

9. Sommelier Judge: Jessica Solomon, Head Sommelier, Born & Raised, San Diego, California

10. Sommelier Judge: Rachael Aresco, Sommelier, Bob's Steak & Chop House, Carlsbad, California

About Halleck Vineyard

Halleck Vineyard is a boutique, family-owned winery in Sonoma County known for producing limited quantities of exceptional Pinot Noir. With a commitment to quality and a passion for winemaking, Halleck Vineyard has established itself as a distinguished producer in the heart of California's wine country. For more information and to explore the world of Halleck Vineyard, please visit http://www.halleckvineyard.com.

About Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition

The Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition is a prestigious event in the world of wine and spirits, known for its rigorous judging process conducted by leading professionals in the industry. The competition recognizes and celebrates excellence in winemaking and spirits production, making it a sought-after platform for producers and vintners to showcase their exceptional offerings.

Media Contact:
Eric Schwartzman
Schwartzman & Associates, Inc.
public relations agency

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