Winemaker Notes
The opulent color and vibrant hues at the edge of the glass are indicative of the health of the wine and clonal material. Perfumed aromatics of strawberry oil and cherry compote offer a dynamic array of ripe red fruits. Time reveals secondary aromas of mint, freshly tilled soil and licorice. The palate is round and opulent with supple tannins and integrated acidity. Suggested drinking window is 2017 through 2026.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The full-bodied, dense ruby-hued 2013 Pinot Noir Ritchie, which comes from the Calera clone of Pinot Noir, reveals plenty of beet root, forest floor, Asian hoisin sauce, plum, blackcurrant and cherry notes, as well as terrific fruit and richness. Drink 2016-2028.
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Wine Spectator
Full-bodied, rich and lively, with a mix of currant, blackberry and blueberry framed by tight tannins and acidity, both of which lend this structure. Most impressive on the finish, where the flavors gain depth and nuance. Drink now through 2024.
The Sonoma Coast AVA is large in area but, not counting overlapping regions like Russian River Valley, only has a few thousand acres of grapevines—and it’s no wonder. Much of the region is rugged and not easily accessible. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean’s fog and cool breezes limits the varieties that can be cultivated, but it proves to be an ideal environment for high quality Pinot Noir.
Since fog is a frequent fact of life here, as are heavy marine layers that sometimes bring rain, the best vineyards are wisely planted above the fog line, on picturesque ridges that capture enough sun to provide even ripening. That, with the overnight drop in temperature that reliably preserves acidity, results in fine expressions of Pinot Noir that often receive tremendous critic and consumer praise alike, and are often in high demand.