NAIDU TAKES ITS PLACE AMONG RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY / SONOMA COAST’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS PINOT NOIR PRODUCERS

 

BY ALAN GOLDFARB

Naidu Wines’ Pinot Noir originates from its Estate Vineyard in Sebastopol, in the dual AVAs of Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast. These world class Naidu Pinot Noirs – although in the beginning stages of their existence – can already be counted  among a pantheon of great producers. 

The bouquet is decidedly Pinot – even Burgundian – with unmistakable lovely, silky plum aromas. On the palate it’s smooth but with some power and bracing acidity that portends long life, perhaps 20-25 years. Which makes Naidu’s Pinot take its place among Sonoma’s finest Pinot Noirs.To be counted among such stalwart Pinot producers as Kosta Browne, Littorai, Flowers, Copain, Williams Selyem and Merry Edwards, is to be considered quite an accomplishment, indeed.

Regarding Naidu’s AVAs one need only listen to the Russian River Valley’s praises from none other than winemaker Bob Cabral when he was at the helm of Williams Selyem:

“When God invented Pinot, he put his thumb down firmly here in the Russian River Valley.” 

Or read what wine journalist Brian Freedman, writing in the prestigious Food & Wine Magazine had to say about Sonoma Coast’s Pinot Noir:

“ … (t)he diversity of Sonoma Coast and the ambition and vision of its top producers are so outrageously exciting right now.”

 

Naidu Wines has firmly established its place among the esteemed producers of Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, crafting wines of distinction sourced from their own Estate Vineyard in Sebastopol and select prestigious vineyards within these coveted AVAs. With a production focused on quality over quantity, Naidu’s 2022 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, sourced from their estate and Marshall Ranch, showcases the region’s renowned sandy loam soils and cool climate, resulting in a balanced wine with 14.1% alcohol content. 

Meanwhile, their 2021 Estate Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast, featuring Dijon clones 115 and 777, reflects the exceptional 2021 vintage, boasting 13.6% alcohol and meticulous French oak aging. Naidu’s commitment to sustainability and terroir-driven winemaking is evident in their vineyard practices, with a setting that enhances the grape’s expression through coastal influences and optimal growing conditions. To be counted adjacent to such ranks of celebrated producers like Kosta Browne and Williams Selyem, Naidu’s wines embody the essence of these renowned wine regions, and are capturing the attention and admiration of wine enthusiasts.

 

The terroir of these prestigious wine regions – Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast can be summed up in one word: Fog.

Sonoma Coast is the larger AVA into which the Russian River Valley falls. Fog plays an integral role there, which facilitates massive temperature swings. At night, it can drop nearly 40°F, which prevents Pinot Noir from becoming overripe and too high in alcohol. Naidu’s Pinot, as example, are only 14.1% and 13.6% alcohol, respectively. And they are so well-balanced without a hint of over-ripeness.

“Climate here (Sonoma Coast) is driven by the Pacific Ocean,” explains Craig McAllister, head winemaker at La Crema Winery. “Diurnal temperature variation—the difference between daytime high and nighttime low temperatures—plays a key role in sugar accumulation, color, flavor and aroma development, and in preserving balanced natural acidity.”

In the Russian River Valley AVA, which is exemplified by a moderate climate, the region also experiences a cooling fog that rolls in from the Pacific typically at night. Pinot Noir  excels with the cooler temperatures helping to shape the precise acidity; and the region’s sandy loam soils create palate richness. 

To be considered among the prestigious Pinot producers of the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, along with highly regarded labels such as Patz & Hall J, Martinelli, Gary Farrell, and my own personal favorite Bohème, one must now count Naidu among them.

 

Naidu’s Pinot Noir Profiles

 

2022 PINOT NOIR

RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 

Alcohol:14.1%

pH: 3.48%

Acidity:  6.4

TERROIR: The wine showcases 2 vineyards: Naidu Estate & Marshall Ranch, less than a mile from Naidu. Both terroirs are on sandy loam soil of Goldridge class. This vintage is made up of Dijon clones 23, 115 & 777

WINEMAKING NOTES: A blend of 62% Naidu Estate, 38% Marshall Ranch. The clone profile is 23 (66%), 115 (28%), 777 (5%). 10 months of oak aging with 40% new oak. No filtration.

Production: 202 cases

SRP: $60

 

2021 ESTATE PINOT NOIR

SONOMA COAST

 

Alcohol:13.6% 

pH:  3.69%

Acidity – 5.7

TERROIR: The 2021 growing season was cool, smoke free and late, providing the best vintage in Sonoma County in at least five years. Picked the two blocks at 22.9 and 23.7 Brix.

WINEMAKING NOTES: The 2021 Estate Pinot Noir is the most complete wine that Naidu has bottled to date. Barrel selections were chosen from the top barrels of its two estate blocks. The wine is blended with clone 115 (95%) with a dash of clone 777 (5%). Fermented in various vessels. The final blend contains 10% whole-cluster inclusion. Aged in French oak for 15 months and racked only for bottling. Barrels: 100% French oak, with 30% new (Remond and Rousseau). Bottled unfiltered.

Production: 270 cases

SRP:  $75

 

NAIDU ESTATE VINEYARD

Sebastopol

SONOMA COAST-RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY AVA

 

Naidu’s estate Pinot Noir vineyard was planted in 2001 with Dijon Clones 115 & 177, rootstock 101-14; producing highly regarded fruit that has resulted in quality wines. The vineyard is certified sustainable and is situated on the Sonoma Coast in Blucher Valley. The soils are comprised of fine sandy loam of the Goldridge series. The terroir’s coastal influence with brief windows of warmth during the middle of the day is moderated by ocean breezes in the early afternoons, making conditions ideal for Pinot Noir grapes. 

The vineyard falls within the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast AVAs. The 115 clone is planted on a steeper gradient slope above the frost line, while the 777 is adjacent on a flatter grade. The vineyard also has a large solar panel, which offsets 100% of power used by the vineyard as well as the estate home and tasting room. 

A thriving winter creek runs through the vineyard bursting with blackberry bushes and is home to flocks of quail, blue jays; and during some months, even turkeys.

The vineyard is self-sustained with multiple wells on the property in addition to storage tanks; although it is only sparsely irrigated on an as-needed basis. On the property, high on a hill, are two other structures; one is a home where guests can enjoy an intimate and immersive experience. The second structure is the tasting room, which showcases the beauty of the terroir and which gives guests the opportunity to have a direct connection with the vineyard’s terroir.

 

 

THE NAIDU TASTING EXPERIENCE

Far Enough Away from the Madding Crowds, Close Enough to Serenity

 

BY ALAN GOLDFARB

 

Maybe the decades-long kerfuffle that pitted Sonoma County versus Napa Valley – as to which is “better” – has finally been settled once and for all. That’s because Sonoma’s Pinot Noir has come into focus on the world stage, while Napa’s Cabernet Sauvignon has been in the spotlight for half-a-century. Furthermore, it has long been held that Sonoma is more serene and pastoral to Napa Valley’s glitzy, ostentatious, and expensive image.

So, if Napa Valley — goes the conventional wisdom — is to Bordeaux, then Sonoma can be likened to Burgundy. Naidu’s Wines’ tasting room and vineyard – in the bucolic Sonoma hills outside Sebastopol, fits in well with that Burgundian comparison. 

And what a resemblance it is. Far from the frenzied crowds but close enough to the lovely town of Sebastopol with its restaurants and shops, Naidu’s estate vineyard sits atop a hill with 180-degree vineyard views overlooking the world-renowned Russian River Valley wine region. 

The short, winding ride up to Naidu’s mature estate Pinot Noir vineyard, planted in 2001, and to the terraced, multi-spaced tasting area, one is instantly transported and immersed in a relaxed cocoon-like setting. With the 5-acre hillside vineyard less than a hundred yards below; and with Naidu’s wines in hand, one is instantly enveloped into a sense of well-being. 

The breadth of Naidu’s tasting experience is intended to deliver deliciousness from the half-dozen well-balanced wines; and a sense of place when one walks into that Pinot vineyard. With Naidu’s Estate Pinot Noir in hand, descending the hillside between the vines, will connect the dots between glass and the source of the Pinot grapes. One will further understand the terroir – all the elements such as soil, sunlight, fog, and wind – which informs Naidu’s estate wine. 

The tasting itself, enhanced with purpose as one combines the wines with a charcuterie platter comprising cheeses from a nearby creamery (be sure to imbibe in the blue cheese with Naidu’s Grenache Blanc and its two Pinot Noirs – a pairing made in heaven). Naidu’s lovely Brut Sparkling wine and its Rosé of Pinot Noir with the fruits and nuts on that platter, will fit in perfectly with the warm spring and summer days that envelop the estate. Oh, and did I mention, if or when you can tear yourself from the warming and mesmerizing fire pit, take a walk about 50-feet below and play a game of bocce ball? But be sure to bring one of those delectable glasses of wine with you. It enhances the game. 

Or experience a very special Vintner’s Tasting with Naidu’s founder and owner Raghni Naidu – perhaps in the vineyard itself, and add on a caviar service. As Raghni herself says, “At our estate vineyard, we give you the unique opportunity to get personal with our wines by experiencing the terroir yourself.”

Indeed. The Naidu tasting experience is a one-of-a-kind, relaxing, immersive, and meaningful experience. What a way to spend a couple of hours away from the world’s hubbub. You might just think you are in Burgundy but in actuality you are on the Sonoma Coast.