EnRoute Les Pommiers Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023
14.5% ABV | 750mL | 2023 vintage | 100% Pinot Noir | Russian River Valley — EnRoute "Les Pommiers" — French for "the apple trees" — is the Russian River Valley Pinot Noir from the House of Far Niente, blended from three of the valley's most coveted estate vineyards: Northern Spy (a former apple orchard in the Green Valley AVA, groomed specifically for EnRoute on the region's famous Goldridge soils), Amber Ridge, and Manzana. The 2023 vintage — harvested September 11 to October 24 after a cool, slow-ripening season — spent 10 months in French oak (30% new) under winemaker Michael Accurso. 93 points from Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and James Suckling. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
It opens with Bing cherry, muddled blackberry, baking spice, Oolong tea, and candied orange peel; the palate is generous yet soft — dark berry fruit with elegant, silky tannins and mouthwatering acidity gliding across the finish. Winemaker notes add raspberry compote, forest floor, and clove; critics found dark currant, plum tart, cherry pastry, graphite, and rose petals. Among Russian River Pinots, Les Pommiers is the Far Niente house style at its most complete: lush and silky now, structured enough to age. Pair with roast duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, or herb-crusted lamb.
Tasting notes
Nose: Bing cherry, blackberry, baking spice, Oolong tea, candied orange peel, forest floor, rose petals. Palate: generous yet soft dark berry; strawberry preserve, spice, elegant silky tannins. Finish: long; mouthwatering acidity, clove, lingering red fruit. (Per winemaker and critic notes.)
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 14.5% ABV — 750mL, 2023 vintage, 100% Pinot Noir
- Russian River Valley — Northern Spy, Amber Ridge, and Manzana estate vineyards
- From the House of Far Niente; winemaker Michael Accurso
- 10 months in French oak (30% new); cool-vintage structure with vibrant acid
- 93 points — Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and James Suckling
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Serve at 55–60°F in a Burgundy glass; decant 20–30 minutes for the aromatics to open. Drinks beautifully now and will hold for several more years.
Frequently asked questions
What does "Les Pommiers" mean?
French for "the apple trees" — a nod to the Northern Spy Vineyard, a former apple orchard in Green Valley that was groomed specifically for EnRoute.
Who makes EnRoute?
EnRoute is the Pinot Noir label of the House of Far Niente, devoted to Russian River Valley Pinot Noir since its first vintage in 2007.
What grapes and oak are used?
100% Pinot Noir (Pommard, Dijon 114/115/667/777, Swan, Mt. Eden, Calera, and 2A clones), aged 10 months in French oak, 30% new.
What should I pair it with?
Roast duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, herb-crusted lamb — or rosemary roasted chicken with caramelized sweet potatoes, the winery's own pairing.