Winemaker Notes
Maxem is a single vineyard Pinot Noir from the celebrated Ulises Valdez Vineyard using the historical Calera clone. Energetic aromas of pomegranate, wild blueberries, rhubarb, bergamot, blood orange and Earl Gray tea lead into a tension-filled palate of crunchy red berries, wet stone, river rock and dried purple flowers delivering a liquid wonderland for the senses. Harnessed by the cool climate of the terroir, the fruit’s natural acidity sits on the finish for what seems like days, all wrapped in a luscious texture that defies logic and will have your palate swooning with delight.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Produced from 100% Calera Clone, the 2019 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard is a barrel sample, set to be aged for 15 months in French oak, 75% new. Medium ruby-purple in color, the nose gives up bold scents of warm blackberries, mulberries and black cherry compote with hints of violets, dark chocolate and cardamom. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is generously fruited with a velvety texture and great freshness, finishing long and perfumed. 250 cases are due to be made.
Barrel Sample: 94-96
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.