Winemaker Notes
Bob’s Ranch vineyard is characterized by it’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Coastal breezes along with low rolling hills and morning fog define this cool climate site. Comprised of 43 vineyard blocks on 72 acres, and planted to an array of clones and field selections this ranch produces complex and delicious wines of true Sonoma Coast character. This wine hails from our best vineyard blocks at Bob’s Ranch each year.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Pinot Noir Bob's Ranch comes from the Sonoma Coast and was brought up in 45% new French oak and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. This deeply colored effort gives up lots of smoky red and black fruits, peppery herbs, mint and soil aromas, medium to full body, a beautifully seamless, silky texture, and a good finish. With good acidity, nicely integrated tannins, and plenty to love, it should keep for 7-8 years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Pinot Noir Bob's Ranch opens with pronounced notes of blackberry preserves, blueberry pie and chocolate box with hints of anise, dried bay leaves and tilled black soil. Big, rich and full-bodied, the generously fruited palate is well-framed by velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and fruity.
WALT is dedicated to the production of premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Pacific Coast's most distinctive vineyard sites, spanning nearly 1000 miles and including Sta. Rita Hills, Sonoma County, Anderson Valley, and the Willamette Valley. Their philosophy is that of precision, non-interventionist winemaking, thereby allowing the wines to naturally and honestly express the character of the site where the wines are grown. Under the artisanship of Director of Winemaking Steve Leveque and Winemaker Megan Gunderson, WALT Wines will continue to evolve and develop.
Located in the heart of Sonoma, just off the historic Sonoma Plaza, WALT Wines focuses on sourcing Pinot Noir fruit from premiere appellations stretching from Oregon's Willamette Valley to the Santa Rita Hills in California to craft the finest wines possible.
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.