Winemaker Notes
Panthera Pinot Noir showcases dynamic tension in winestyle as this wine displays both a vibrant purity of fruit and a refined oak profile. Expansive and silky on the palate, notes of red plum, raspberry compote and Bing cherry work in harmony with elegant tannins, supported by a signature backbone of acidity nurtured on the Sonoma Coast. The deft baseline of toasted oak introduces hints of clove and baking spice to round out the perfectly balanced, lingering finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Decadent aromas of roasted cherry, cranberry and cocoa powder waft from the glass on the nose of this Pinot. The palate shows a nimble personality with berry fruit, lemon peel acidity and some lovely floral flavors that elevate the aromatics and dominate the 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.