Winemaker Notes
A balanced intermingling of fruit, spice, and earth, the 2019 La Neblina is a classic expression of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Fresh raspberry, ripe strawberry, and a touch of black cherry playfully lead the way, followed closely by delicate vanilla and cinnamon spice notes and a perfumed potpourri of candied violets and crushed red flowers. Layered hints of cacao nib and sous bois earthiness marry with a solid tannin backbone, imparting synergy and structure along the gracefully persistent finish. Although approachable in its youth, its complexities will continue to unfold over time, ensuring the 2019 La Neblina will charm at any age.
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.