The 2019 Hatton Daniels Pinot Noir is a love letter to one of the Sonoma Coast's most prestigious sites. While most Robert's Road fruit is polished and tucked behind oak, winemaker Dan Fishman (Donum Estate) chooses a different path: Pure, unadulterated expression. 91 Points, Wine Advocate
Imagine this alongside roasted duck, wild mushroom risotto, or even a simple plate of aged Gruyère. With its fine-grained tannins and long, nuanced finish, it's the kind of bottle that starts a conversation and finishes far too quickly.
Enjoy this bottle now through 2028.
The Pedigree
100% Sangiacomo Robert’s Road fruit (the gold standard of the Petaluma Gap Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir).
The Craft
Zero added sulfites. Native yeast. No makeup.
The Vibe
Think savory black tea, flinty minerals, and juicy acidity that makes your mouth water for another sip.
The Verdict
"At 6 years old, the 'edge' of youth has softened into elegant, earthy complexity. It’s a $70+ Pinot experience for only $35. Period."
Sangiacomo Vineyard, Robert's Road
Located at the base of Sonoma Mountain at the far northern edge of the Petaluma Gap, the Roberts Road Vineyard experiences long, slow, and even growing seasons, perfect for Pinot Noir – rich yet delicate. For nearly half the day the vineyard is shrouded in fog. The vineyard is influenced by coastal breezes, lending itself to slow, even growing, and fruit development. The block of Pinot Noir for this bottling is in the flatlands at the base of Sonoma Mountain (on the western side) and features well-draining, silty gravel soils.
Vintage
The 2019 vintage for Pinot Noir from the Sangiacomo Roberts Road Vineyard is widely regarded as exceptional, characterized by a long, cool growing season that allowed for slow ripening and complex flavor development. Experts note that Pinot Noir was particularly successful across California in 2019, yielding wines with strong acidity and deep fruit concentration.
The Maker: Dan Fishman
From PhD Candidate to Pinot Specialist. Dan Fishman doesnt just make wine; he translates terroir. After walking away from a PhD program to follow a "gut feeling" for the vine, Dan cut his teeth at the legendary Donum Estate, where he became obsessed with the nuances of high-end Pinot Noir. Dan has shed the "textbook" rules. He is a purist and a risk-taker, favoring native yeasts and zero added sulfites. His philosophy is simple: if the farming is perfect (and at Sangiacomo, it is), the winemaker's job is to stay out of the way. The result is a 2019 vintage that is raw, elegant, and intellectually stimulating—just like the man who made it.
Winemaking
After a decade of working with Robert’s Road fruit, Dan decided to push the boundaries. In 2019, he moved to 100% stem inclusion (whole bunch fermentation). This isn’t just a technical tweak—it's a transformation. The stems provided a natural 'rounding' of the palate, trading sharp acidity for a plush, velvety texture. More importantly, it added a sophisticated 'grip' and firm tannin structure that makes this vintage the most cellar-worthy to date. By excluding the press wine and focusing only on the free-run juice, Dan ensured the final blend remained elegant, pure, and flawlessly balanced.
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Sangiacomo Roberts Road (Established 1999)
AVA: Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Coast
Clones: Heritage Swan & Pommard
Soil Type: Deep, well-drained loamy soils (ancient creek bed)
Fermentation: 100% Native Yeast
Barrel Aging: 16 months in French oak
Sulfites: Zero Added (Unadulterated Grape Juice)
Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2028
Alcohol: 13.2%
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
