Redefining taste once again, this Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a mix of Russian River and Sonoma Coast. Russian River valley’s diverse terroir contributes to a wide range of styles and the cool, foggy climate of the Petaluma Gap produces wines with a distinctive coastal minerality. 

Ripe Cranberry, pomagranate, and cherry on the nose are spiced with clove, nutmeg and a hint of vanilla. Additional nuance on the nose evokes thoughts of forrest floor, earthy mushrooms, and mossy tree bark. On the palate, red fruit and spice drive with balanced acidity and ample velvety tannin structure. This pinot is fruit forward and powerful, but still elegantly balanced.

The 2023 vintage in Napa Valley started three to four weeks later than usual, after a winter marked by nearly 40 inches of rain and lingering cold temperatures into spring. Although the delayed start caused some concern about a late harvest and early autumn rains, a long, mild summer extended well into October. This extended growing season resulted in remarkable flavor development, vibrant color, and balanced phenolics, providing an excellent foundation for crafting beautifully balanced and delicious wines.

Thanks to the lengthy season, our team was able to make careful picking decisions, achieving a signature soft yet structured mouthfeel in the 2023 wines. The robust tannins called for adjustments in cap management, including increased oxygen during pump-overs and more frequent, shorter sessions to ensure proper extraction. Each vineyard block was kept separate through barreling until March, then blended and returned to barrels for a few more months to perfect the mouthfeel. Thorn, in particular, was aged for 16 months in 50% new French barrels before bottling.