This wine hails from an historical vintage and does not disappoint, displaying great fruit integration, inviting aromas and rewarding flavors. Deeply hued garnet and delightful aromas of black cherry and rose petals persuade one to sip earnestly. Once on the tongue, silky and inviting flavors envelop the palate, with a friendly, long, postured finish.

This wine is a blend of several vineyards located in the Sonoma Coast appellation. Some of the vineyards are located within 8 miles of the Pacific Ocean while others are further inland. What makes this wine unique is the differences of climate and soil types for the individual vineyard sources, each bringing a different pedigree of aromas and flavors to the whole. Soils are comprised of sandy Gold Ridge loam for the coastal vineyards and clay loam for the interior vineyards. The climate varies from heavily fog influenced ridges with extreme maritime conditions and locations that begin with the early morning fog followed by full afternoon sun. The coastal climate creates wines of refreshing elegance and a finessed mouthfeel; while sun drenched vineyards create full rich flavors. The grapes are grown under Demeter certified sustainable winegrowing protocols.

The individual vineyard selections were harvested separately, fermented in small lots in open top fermenters, utilizing indigenous yeast at cool temperatures to stimulate slow phenolic extraction. Average fermentation of the individual lots ranged from 12-15 days. Pressed to oak, malo-lactic fermentation took place in barrels, the majority of which were new tight-grain French oak. All lots were aged separately prior to blending.

Try pairing with duck, salmon or a risotto.

2012 proved to be a seamless year for growing extreme climate coastal Pinot Noir. Dry spring days were ideal for even cane growth and budbreak. Normally high mildew pressure was minimized by drier than normal conditions in the late spring and early summer and prevailing winds that helped to keep the humidity low. Flowering and set was completed in a short and very even cycle. The vines were extremely balanced and crop thinning virtually unnecessary. Veraison was fast and even. Full flavor maturity was reached at lower sugar levels while still retaining postured and vibrant acidity, providing lift and length. Other vintages showing a similar and memorable pedigree are 2007 and 1991.