TRADE ACCESS

Porter Creek

Porter Creek got its start in 1977 when George Davis purchased 40 acres of land in Sonoma. Seeing that it was an ideal location for growing Burgundian varietals, he planted 10 acres of Chardonnay in addition to the 12 acres of Pinot Noir already on the land. The winery was bonded in 1982 and for the next 15 years, George paid no attention to the ever-changing wine trends and simply worked to express the unique terroirs of the Russian River Valley.

In 1997 George handed wine-making responsibility to his son, Alex. In addition to growing up working along side his father at the winery, Alex studied Enology at Fresno University and spent several years in France working with renowned wine makers including Christophe Roumier and Marcel Guigal.

Like his father, Alex chooses to ignore popular style shifts. Instead the wines are tastefully oaked, have moderate alcohol and they use only natural fermentation. Their vineyards are low yielding, around one and a half tons per acre.

Although the style at Porter Creek has remained true to George’s original vision, one major change Alex made was the transition of their vineyards to biodynamic farming. Rigorous attention is paid both to the soil and the vines to ensure the entire vineyard is operating in harmony. The results are pure, balanced wines that speak strongly of their source, not just the hand that got them into the bottle. 

In addition to their estate wines, Porter Creek produces a number of different wines from purchased fruit from similarly minded sources including Carignane, Syrah, Viognier and Zinfandel. They are available by special order only, please inquire if interested.

www.portercreekvineyards.com

porter creekporter creek


Pinot Noir "Fiona's Hill", Russian River Valley (Archived) 2005

Notes: This meticulously planted, step hillside vineyard is situated on a southern face with an average of 20% grade, but climbs up to a 40% grade.  The vine rows are planted with high density in a special orientation running southwest wot northeast, resulting in a constant, gentle sun exposure which evenly and thoroughly ripens grape clusters.  The Fiona Hill Vineyard is located along the Westside road at the entrance of the Porter Creek.  Franciscan, metamorphic, hard clay with a fractured stone bedrock places continual stress on these Pinot vines, resulting in a very expressive, unique wine.

Tasting Notes:
(2004) Light red. Fresh cherry and red berry aromas are complicated by a subtle animal quality, along with exotic nutmeg and clove notes. Lush and sweet but with impressive lift and thrust to the fresh cherry and cherry pit flavors. Luscious and clingy on the pure, long finish.
—Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar

pinot noir fiona's hill, russian river valley
Country: United States
Region: Sonoma
Producer: Porter Creek
Farming Type Biodynamic
Product Code DB7108-05