Winemaker Notes
Bursting with fresh cherry and raspberry aromas, the 2023 County Line Pinot Noir articulates the cool climate of the Sonoma Coast. An initial bouquet of bright red fruits progresses to a complex savoriness of soft herbs, bramble, and a light touch of toasted oak. On the palate, an inviting kick of tangy plum and pomegranate quickly changes gears to reveal a complex and sophisticated blend of delicate green peppercorn, anise, and black tea tannins.
Enjoy at cellar temperature or slightly chilled, with a smoked tri-tip or mushroom sandwich and a hearty kale salad.
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.