Winemaker Notes
Strawberry and red fruits jump from the glass in this multifaceted wine. Complexed with notes of sassafras and bergamot, aromas of dried rose petal are layered in the nose and offer up classic Pinot Noir perfume. In the mouth, the wine has a sense of roundness and harmony that is satisfying and refreshing. Dark red fruit flavors mix with hints of cocoa and wood spices. Sourced from various vineyards in the Russian River Valley including some younger blocks from the various Estate vineyards.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2020 Pinot Noir Sonoma County is fresh with cherry cola, and crushed roses. The palate is approachable, with fresh raspberry, and snappy crunchy fruit on the finish. Rating: 92+
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Medium ruby color; ripe red fruit aroma, crushed berries, medium depth, fresh, alluring; medium bodied, perky on the palate; dry, medium acidity, very good balance; ripe red fruit, mineral flavors, medium intensity; medium finish. (Tasted: January 24, 2022, San Francisco, CA)
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.