Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
A ripe, fruit-loaded effort, the 2016 Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge is certainly one of the more generous, opulent wines by Failla. Giving up plenty of raspberry fruits, spice, and floral characteristics, it’s medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and has a rocking texture that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s a sexy Pinot Noir that has a touch of La Tâche-like charm and character. Don’t miss it!
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge has black raspberries and red plums on the nose with touches of tilled soil, fungi and tar. The palate is medium-bodied and elegantly styled with gentle fruit matched by a racy acid line and chewy texture, finishing long and earthy.
Rating: 91+
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.