2021 CIRQ Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Layered and refined on the nose, with notes of black raspberries, violets, dark mineral earth, and sweet cardamom spice. The palate boasts a luxurious silky and velvety texture that's completely seamless, with a long, outstanding finish.

CIRQ is Michael Browne's flagship wine from the Russian River Valley, aged for 15 months in 45% new French oak, 6% wood tank, and includes 7% whole cluster fermentation. The back labels change with each vintage and are designed by Chuck House. The fruit is sourced from several top vineyards, including Chenoweth Home Ranch near Treehouse and another site managed by Charlie Chenoweth near Occidental in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Additional sources include Coplan Vineyard on Olivet Road, which Michael has worked with since 2001, and Black Oak Vineyards, among others. Super fragrant, giving off brambly red fruit and intense spice notes from the whole cluster fermentation, with superb structure. Layers of warm tobacco, salted dark chocolate, and smoky blood orange combine with plenty of acidity and compact structure, making this a wine destined for cellaring. It's exceptionally well-made, with precision focus, length, and balanced tension, supported by a firm, soaring tannic backbone. Michael Browne explains that they rarely rack the wines. After harvest, the wine is allowed to settle overnight before being racked off the lees to avoid additional racking, with only a light dosing of sulphur. He prefers to blend near the end of each harvest. CIRQ is selected from the finest lots, but the blend is not pre-determined and varies from year to year. Michael grew up in Wenatchee, where he participated in the Wenatchee Youth Circus. This is why his wine is named "CIRQ." His favourite memory from that time was being part of a large group of kids, learning how to perform tricks, and showcasing them in front of others. This experience taught him the importance of dedication, practice, and showmanship. CIRQ was founded in 2009 by Kosta Browne co-founder Michael Browne and his wife Sarah Browne, focusing on Pinot Noir from their stunning 6ha estate and winery in the heart of the Russian River Valley. They also make CHEV, a label established in 2013. The cellar features Sonoma Cast Stone and Noblot concrete eggs and tanks to enhance acidity and minerality. Michael likens winemaking to music and says, "We are blenders. We are component people." In 2024, they hired Cabell Coursey to further elevate their craft.