Winemaker Notes
An important and defining feature of this appellation is the distinctive combination of coastal coolness and afternoon heat which allows early-ripening varieties such as Pinot Noir to mature slowly and concentrate on the character of the fruit without losing its natural acidity. Our gentle handling process allows us to preserve the intensity of fruit flavors associated with Pinot Noirs from this region.
A vast appellation covering Sonoma County’s Pacific coastline, the Sonoma Coast AVA runs all the way from the Mendocino County border, south to the San Pablo Bay. The region can actually be divided into two sections—the actual coastal vineyards, marked by marine soils, cool temperatures and saline ocean breezes—and the warmer, drier vineyards further inland, which are still heavily influenced by the Pacific but not quite with same intensity.
Contained within the appellation are the much smaller Fort Ross-Seaview and Petaluma Gap AVAs.
The Sonoma Coast is highly regarded for elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and, increasingly, cool-climate Syrah. The wines have high acidity, moderate alcohol, firm tannin, and balanced ripeness.
