95 Points - The New Wine Review
94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
94 Points - International Wine Report
Enjoy now or any time over the next 5-6 years.
Winemaking
The 2021 growing season offered optimal conditions in the Sonoma Coast to harvest grapes of exceptional quality. Brief heat waves in August and September ripened the grapes to ideal maturity as the weather stayed dry until major rains arrived October 22. This allowed for long hang times to develop complex flavors and texture. Yields were lower than average in 2021, with small berries and loose clusters creating wines of increased depth and concentration. Pommard clone dominates the final 2021 blend with earthy tones overlaying layers of red fruit flavors. A portion of the grapes were fermented whole cluster, adding aromatic complexity and structural verve.
Vineyard
Riddle Vineyard is located in Green Valley of the West Sonoma Coast near the town of Occidental. Situated high upon a ridge top with a gentle south facing slope, the vineyard overlooks many of the iconic vineyards of the region. Mornings tend to be foggy, yet the fog burns off early, allowing the vines to be drenched in warm sun the rest of the day. Planted in 2008 at a high density with 3.5' x 6' spacing on exceptional Goldridge soils, the vine roots stretch deep in the soils looking for nutrients and water. This provides for deep, complex flavors. Riddle is planted to a mixture of Pinot Noir clones 115, Pommard and a distinctive Mt. Eden clone, which was taken as original bud wood from a prominent vineyard planted along California's Central Coast.
Vintage
The 2021 growing season offered optimal conditions in the Sonoma Coast to harvest grapes of exceptional quality. The air remained clear with no fires in Sonoma and pandemic lock downs ended. Our spirits were lifted and the grape harvest and wine quality benefited. Brief heat waves in August and September ripened the grapes to ideal maturity as the weather stayed dry until major rains arrived October 22, after our grapes were harvested. Yields were lower than average in 2021, with small berries and loose clusters creating wines of increased depth and concentration. Riddle Vineyard's close proximity to the Pacific Ocean allowed for longer hang times through the moderate heat waves. Mt Eden clone provided a robust foundation of red fruit and intensity. Pommard clone is featured more prominently in 2021, offering silky texture and earth notes to balance the rich fruit and structure of the 115 clone.
Analysis
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Vineyards: Riddle Vineyard
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Fermentation: Open-top fermentation, Native yeast
Aging: 50% New French Oak
pH: 3.67
TA: 5.9 g/L
Bottled unfined and unfiltered August 2022
Cases Produced: 450
Alcohol: 14.4%
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Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
Juice explodes out right of the glass with its dark purple in color and bursting aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry interlaced with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. The palate is ripe and juicy with flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of toasty oak.
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