Winemaker Notes
Fragrant aromas of ripe red fruits, fresh berries, rhubarb, pomegranate tea, cocoa and cedar immediately draw attention to the glass. On the palate, the generous flavors of wild strawberry, raspberry, Bing cherry and sweet nectarine are enhanced with lighter touches of toffee, dried lavender, savory spices and a kiss of fine French oak. Fruity and charming at first, this wine retains its natural freshness while developing more richness, depth and structure as it opens up in the glass. Power, elegance and attention to detail in each sip.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
The first impression of this wine is a deep, rich perfume of black coffee, dark chocolate, and black plum. As black cherry weaves through granite, a touch of white pepper and anise springs into action on the palate. It’s dynamic from start to finish.
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.