2019 Typicité Pinot Noir Big Pig Vineyard Russian River Valley

The 2019 Typicité Pinot Noir Big Pig Vineyard the result of a friendship that dates back decades, far before we’d discovered our love for Sonoma County Pinot Noir—and it’s one of the most gratifying California Pinot discoveries we’ve ever made. 

This is for fans of Kosta Browne, Williams Selyem, Far Niente’s EnRoute, and other lush Russian River Pinots. A ruby-red, deep-fruited Pinot accented with everything from violet to Kola nut and clove, it’s got that perfect Russian River weight and rounded mouthfeel, carried on a structured yet seamless frame. When we took our first sip, we were amazed that we weren’t drinking one of the marquee names of the region, because Typicité has absolutely everything we expect from top-flight Russian River Pinot—well, except for the price. 

This bottle, sourced from the incredible Big Pig Vineyard, is right at home among the $75+ Pinot players of the Russian River Valley. But our longtime friendship with the winemaker secured us an allocation at an amazing price.

Our CEO Joe grew up not far from San Francisco with a kid named Collin Cranor. They didn’t keep in close touch over the years, but he knew Collin had become a winemaker, so he kept an eye on his career. As it turns out, Collin is a Wine Access member, and after he saw Joe’s name on one of our emails, he reached out.

Collin told us that he and his winemaking partner Craig Ploof had founded a label that was 100% dedicated to Pinot Noir from some of the great regions and sites in California. Just as we were about to ask, he said he’d send us a few bottles, and we were blown away by every single one. The wines come from some of the greatest Pinot sites in California, but none impressed us more than the one from the Russian River’s Big Pig Vineyard. 

Just west of the Sonoma County town of Graton, Big Pig Vineyard is planted with four Pinot clones—Calera, Swan, Pommard 4, and DRC La Tâche—which dig into Sonoma County’s famed Goldridge soil. The site enjoys foggy days that only get hot in the late afternoon, then cool quickly as the sun sets over the nearby Pacific. It’s perfect for optimal Pinot ripeness and verve. 

Collin and Craig blended the Big Pig Pinot Noir from a selection of the best barrels from the site, and the result is one of the most exciting Pinots we’ve had from one of our all-time favorite regions. We’re so thrilled to be the one to share it with you. Here’s to childhood friends… who become top-notch winemakers!

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Acidity
• Tannin

• ABV 14.20%
• 15 mins
• Now – 2029
• % Pinot Noir
• Serving temperature – 58°
• Cork