90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Made by 100-point winemaking phenom Megan Baccitich (former Director of Winemaking at Paul Hobbs Winery).
Lush, vibrant, and YES I'll definitely have another glass of that please from the much loved Petaluma Gap, bottled unfined and unfiltered!
VINEYARD
Planted around ten years ago exclusively to Pinot Noir, this vineyard has supplied grapes for KOSTA BROWN, HALL, and SONOMA CUTRER to name a few. Ideally situated in the Petaluma Gap, the climate is ideal for Pinot Noir. The estate experiences moderate daytime temperatures, even by Sonoma Coast AVA standards, allowing for prolonged hang-time (for phenolic maturity) while maintaining fresh pulp (for balanced acidity). During the growing season, the average summertime diurnal shift (difference from the day’s high and low temperatures) is 30-degrees.
WINEMAKING
The Pinot Noir grapes harvested from their Estate Vineyard in Petaluma Gap are Pommard, 667 and 115 clones. Upon hand picked in the early morning hours, grapes were carefully destemmed and sent to tank for a whole-berry fermentation. The grapes were cold-soaked in tank at 45°F for 6 days, allowing for increased color, aroma, and flavor extraction. After inoculation with a select yeast, the grape must (juice, skins, and seeds) fermented at 82-86°F, which allowed a hot extraction on the skins. For fermentation cap management, the juice was pumped over the skins two times per day, wetting the cap evenly for a nice healthy fermentation. Aged in French oak barrels (57% new) for 11 months sur lie and was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
VINTAGE
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, after grapes were harvested. Yields were lower than average in 2021, with small berries and loose clusters creating wines of increased depth and concentration.
MEGAN BACCITICH, WINEMAKER
Having studied under and worked with the great Paul Hobbs for more than a decade, Megan brings her unique perspective and precision winemaking to Ron Noble Wines. Growing up in the heart of Sonoma County wine country, she spent most of her free hours outside, developing a love of nature. Her path to winemaking was a combination of her love of the outdoors, her aptitude with science in school, and her love of food and cooking.
As the founding winemaker at Ron Noble wines, she sees the immense potential of the estate and is guiding winemaking to reflect the site and maximize the possibilities for the wines.
Vintage: 2021
Appellation: Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Valley
Vineyard: Estate Vineyard
Winemaker: Megan Baccitich
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (Pommard, 115 and 667 clones)
Aging: 57% new French oak, 11 months, bottled unfined and unfiltered
Alcohol: 14%
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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