Winemaker Notes
This Sonoma Coast bottling was created to showcase the potential of this emerging coastal growing region. The grapes we selected came from three vineyards within the sub-appellations of this area, each of which produced Pinot Noir with its own character. In blending these wines together, we wanted to achieve a multi-layered wine that revealed the fruit's origins but also expressed the many flavors of the coastlands. Even within the confines of the Sonoma Coast appellation, there are important differences in site, soil and climate. In wines produced from the western area, cherry notes are well developed and acidity is slightly higher. In the east, the fruit notes are darker and more earthy. In the inland area, the wines are full bodied and fruity with sweet tannins and beautiful balance. In combination, these characteristics enhance and build on each other.
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.