Winemaker Notes
The distinction of ‘noble’ for the most interesting of grape varietals is extended to one of the rare sites whose natural conditions are ideal for growing excellent Pinot Noir. Located on the Sonoma Coast, on the Eastern slope (Co^te) of the second ridge from the Pacific Ocean (Eaux), this unique hillside vineyard (Co^teau) benefits from both the cool maritime breeze and the mild and sunny mountain climate. Handcrafted using classical winemaking techniques, this wine is also a tribute to the Nobles family who has been farming this land for four generations. It is the ‘Noble
Hillsides’ or ‘Co^teaux Nobles.’
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.