Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Jim Nantz, famed CBS sports commentator, and Peter Deutsch, founder and CEO of Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, have created a portfolio of classic Sonoma wines from some of the most respected vineyards in the region.
The Calling wines are now quality standards for the Sonoma region with more than fifty 90+ ratings since the first vintage in 2012. Each region and vineyard site were chosen carefully for the vines that were planted and the style of wine produced. These wines are a true testament to the greatness that is possible when you follow your calling in life.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.