CHEV Pinot Noir 2021
(Russian River Valley, California) - [JD 96] [DM 95] [JS 94] [WS 93]

At CHEV, we work hard to make delicious wines so you can slow down and savor life without distractions. Those magic moments when you gather ‘round the table or by the fire with great friends and family to eat, drink, and spark real connections. Just like we did in the good ‘ol days. And enhancing those good times is what drives and inspires us. Our flagship wines for CHEV are our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay which reign from the notable Russian River Valley, or “the Garden of Eden,” as our master craftsman Michael Browne calls it - where everything grows well. However, CHEV was born to reach regions beyond our own backyard.  With each season, our winemaker, Cabell Coursey and Michael seek new regions to craft delicious wines that embody the place and the unique terroir of the area.  

Fermentation: 85% Stainless steel open tops | 6% concrete open tops | 9% wood open top tank

Time in Barrel: 15 months | 42% new French oak | 20% once used French oak |35% several times used French oak | 3% wood tank

Clones: 23, 667, 777, 115, 37

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Deep red plum notes interwoven with bright cherry and mist of tangerine peel.

Mouth:  Bursting cranberry and ripe black cherry are gracefully accented with freshly baked gingersnaps and vibrant flavors of blood orange citrus. Richly concentrated with layers of complexity and a luxurious texture of plush red velvet, complemented by seamlessly integrated tannins and balanced acidity.  

Recommended Drinking Age: Three to five years after release although will age gracefully over the next 10 years when properly cellared. Should you wish to enjoy sooner, we recommend decanting for an hour.

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"A darker ruby/magenta color, the 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley has the stamp of the man here and offers notes of pure cherry liqueur, cigar box, pine needles, and crushed flowers. Medium-bodied, it's a crowd-pleaser and has all the classic notes of the Russian River Valley while keeping polished and pure. Drink 2025-2040." - Audrey Frick (Jun 2024)

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"The 2021 CHEV Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley showcases beautiful dark berry fruits with rich conifer notes, subtle underbrush nuances, and a hint of clove. Medium-bodied, it balances very fine-grained tannins with fresh forest berries and savoury deep wood notes, leading to a lasting slate-stone mineral finish. The wine underwent fermentation in 85% stainless steel open tops, 6% concrete open tops, and 9% wood open-top tanks. It was then aged for 15 months in 42% new French oak, 20% once-used French oak, 35% several-times-used French oak, and 3% wood tank. CHEV is a project from Kosta Browne co-founder Michael Browne and his wife, Sarah Browne. The label was introduced in 2013, after they established CIRQ, focusing on Pinot Noir from their stunning 6-hectare estate and winery in the heart of the Russian River Valley. In 2024, Cabell Coursey joined the team to further elevate their craft." - Jonathan Cristaldi (Aug 2024)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"A broad, rich and complex wine with abundant fruit, engaging earthy and mushroomy notes and a long, lingering finish. Full-bodied, aged in 40% new oak but very subtle, with layered and detailed flavors and freshness that lasts. Drink or hold." (Jul 2024)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"This sports a tasty core of punchy kirsch and damson plum notes backed by lively red tea and a hint of singed anise. The gently toasted finish lets the finish keep a little racy edge. Drink now through 2031." - James Molesworth (Apr 2024)

91 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is fresh, bright and inviting. This is an especially perfumed, aromatic Pinot for the appellation. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, mint, cinnamon and orange peel lend notable aromatic presence to this charming, mid-weight offering from Michael Browne. (Drink between 2024-2031)." - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2024)