Winemaker Notes
Possessing shades ranging from garnet to ruby, the 2022 is a captivating coastal expression of Pinot Noir. Aromas of spiced plum, rhubarb, and red cherry mingle with savory notes of black tea and baking spices to form an enticing bouquet. It is bright and lively on the palate with flavors of juicy red cherry, macerated strawberry, and plum. This beauty Finishes with fresh acidity and soft, approachable tannins that give added complexity to the noticeable texture from aging in 100% French oak barrels.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Lovely, delicate and delicious. Lifted and delicately perfumed aromas of fresh strawberries, tea leaves and violets on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with a generous texture, finely integrated tannins and bright acidity complemented by notes of raspberries, cherries, cedar and forest floor.
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Wine Enthusiast
Leading with aromas of fresh cranberry and cherry, this darkly fruited but lightly colored Pinot is savory and dramatic. The palate gives flavors of fried black cherry, shiitake, black tea and salted caramel. Drink this with crispy roasted duck.
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Wine Spectator
Bright and racy-edged, offering blood orange and bitter cherry notes laced with sanguine, mineral and rose petal hints.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Bottled under screwcap and boasting a bright, youthful ruby color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is lifted and elegant with aromas of cranberry cocktail, cinnamon, rose petals, and fresh herbs. Medium-bodied, it retains fantastic freshness in this sunny vintage, with zesty, fresh citrus, fine tannins, and a clean finish. It is a lovely offering to enjoy over the next 5-6 years.
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.