VINEYARD Gap’s Crown, Terra de Promissio and Walala
FERMENTATION Cold soak for 5 days on average / Ferment for 14 days on average / 86° F peak
OAK 45% new French oak / 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.5%
pH 3.63
TA 5.3 g/L
AROMA
Focused cherry and ripe cranberry envelop the glass, followed by intense black plum, sage, and Herbs de Provence. In the background there is a dusting of cocoa, lavender, and rose.
PALATE
Dark red and blue fruits drive down the center of your palate and slowly melt into all areas of the mouth. Focused acidity and supportive tannins carry the rich dark fruit character towards the midpalate, followed by creamy black cherry and cranberry. The intense start is followed by a slow release of complex flavors and textures which lead to a long and lingering finish.
Our 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a blend of three primary vineyards. Two of these vineyards, Gap’s Crown and Terra de Promissio, are located in the southern portion of the Sonoma Coast appellation lying directly in the path of both the Petaluma Gap’s Pacific Ocean cooling and the maritime influence of the San Pablo Bay. The third component is a new addition from the northwestern reaches near Annapolis, the Walala Vineyard. The wines from the Petaluma Gap region are rich, voluptuous, and structured with dark red fruit, deep texture, and broad structure. The wines from Walala are red fruit driven with clean earth, a slight spice, elegant structure, and a complex core. We recommend drinking this wine between 2013 and 2019.
THE SONOMA COAST, WHICH OVERLAPS with the Russian River Valley and stretches all the way to the windswept edge of the Pacific Ocean, has emerged as a hub for cool-climate wines. The vineyards are planted using the finest modern clones and viticultural techniques and have rapidly earned the region acclaim for producing some of the world’s most extraordinary Pinot Noirs.
A deserving pitstop along the Sonoma Coast is the picturesque town of Bodega. Made famous by Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” this little town is also known for incredible food from talented chefs focused on local, seasonal brilliance.
