Sunny days and cold foggy nights are perfectly suited for growing the ever so delicate Pinot Noir. Russian River Valley is possibly the best example of such terroir because the coastal mountain range provides protection against early rains and porous soil that drains well and dries quickly. Szakál has carefully chosen sites that are located on north facing hillsides that provide protection against excess ground moisture. Thanks to these special characteristics the fruit can hang extra long on the vines to bring En Garde Pinots to full ripeness in challenging years as well. Harvests of  Pinot Noir are usually a week before the Cabernet Sauvignons in early October which is super late considering the early ripening tendency of this thin skinned varietal. This allows the grapes to take on depth and complexity that is paired with beauty and elegance.

Russian River Valley Vineyards:

• Pleasant Hill is in Sebastopol located in the Pleasant Hill area just ourside the Greenville AVA. It is owned by Ben Hurst and cared for by Arturo Robledo. Clones: 115, 667 and Pommard. 25+ year old vines.
• Hernandez Vineyard is on Burndale Road in the Sonoma side of Los Carneros and owned and tended by Marcello Hernandez. Clones: 115, 667, 777.
• Vines and Roses Vineyard is on Olivet Road in Santa Rosa and it was planted more than 50 years ago It is one of the oldest planted Pinot Noir vineyards in California. Owned by Richard Pelegrini and thended by Arturo Robledo. Clone: 23
• Roma's Vineyard at 1800 feet is one of the highest evation vineyard in Anderson Valley. Dane and Suzi Carrell planted 6 acers to Pommard clone at this captivating site in 1992. They are dedicated to excellence constantly battling the unforgiving climate that is pushing the vines to the limits.
• El Sol Vineyard is on a tine sliver of land between the San Pablo Bay and Los Carneros in Sonoma and owned and tended by the Robledo Family. Clone: Pommard.
• Starkey Hill is in the Pleasant Hill area of Sebastopol just outside of the Green Valley AVA. Owned by Diane Starkey and cared for by Arturo Robledo. Clones: 23, 828 and Pommard. 30+ year old vines.
• Devoto Vineyard is located on Gold Ridge Road in Sebastopol. It is on the Western border of Green Valley and owned and cared for by Stan Devoto. Clones: 115, 667, 828. 
• Olivet Court is on Olivet Road in Santa Rosa and owned and tended by Bob and Ida Montgomery. Clones: Two different Martini (Exact clones are unknown). 35+ year old vines.