2019 Sonoma Coast Magnum

91 Points: Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com - July 2021

"Leading off the Pinot Noirs, the appellation 2019 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast reveals a light ruby hue to go with tart cherry and strawberry fruits, a medium-bodied, elegant mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and classy, almost Russian River-like notes of spice, cola, and savory flowers. It's a rock-solid, impressive Pinot Noir to enjoy over the coming 5-6 years."

2019 was a remarkable growing season for most of Sonoma County, with ample winter rainfall creating wet soils and cool temperatures that
delayed budbreak in some areas. Spring and summer brought moderate to slightly above-average temperatures, with late-May rains slightly delaying flowering, while helping to produce the smaller, looser clusters that produce extremely flavorful and concentrated wines. Grapes were harvested by hand between September 4 and September 25, 2019.

The grapes for this Pinot Noir came from a handful of top vineyards throughout the Sonoma Coast AVA, with a focus on some of the finest sub-appellations within the region. The blend includes grapes from our Thale’s Estate Vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley, Dale Ricci’s Vineyard in Carneros, Noble Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap, and Wohler Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Due to the cool coastal influences that shape the climate at all of these vineyards, they produce amazing Pinot Noir. At the same time, the diversity of these sites creates the foundation for complex aromatics and beautifully layered flavors in the final blend.

• composition:

  100% Pinot Noir

• alcohol: 14.5%
• bottling date: 08/23/2019
• aging:

  Aged 10 months in French oak, 33% new

• fermentation:

  15% whole cluster
  Majority fermented in small-lot fermenters