Winemaker Notes
The 2008 Akiko’s Cuvée has its typical shy nose at first, and it seems to be kind of a cross between the ’08 Sonoma Coast and Russian River Pinots. Some of the SC cool climate spice is intertwined with the ripeness of the RRV in the aromas as they start to emerge from the glass. The palate has a delicacy and bright acidity reminiscent of the ’08 Keefer PN. As is typical with the Akiko’s, you should probably wait a year or two to open them. We anticipate the ’08 Akiko’s being ready in 2012 and it should gradually mature for another 8 or more years.
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.