94 Points - Pinot Report
93 Points - Wine Spectator
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
93 Points - International Wine Report
A pleasure to drink now. Will further reward with a few years in your cellar.
You'll want to grab as much of this gem as you possibly can!
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, after grapes were harvested. Yields were lower than average in 2021, with small berries and loose clusters creating wines of increased depth and concentration. The resulting harmony is delicious, with complex flavors and a silky mouthfeel.
Vineyards
This wine is a blend of eight unique lots produced from Sonoma Coast vineyards ranging from Annapolis to Occidental, to the Petaluma Gap. Gap’s Crown, Sangiacomo, Walala, and Dorothy Cameron Vineyards represent key components used to produce this blend. Pinot noir clones 115, 828, 667, Pommard, and Swan add unique elements creating a complex Pinot noir with a myriad of textures and flavors. Each vintage, this blend offers balance and vibrant, lush textures that are characteristic of the Gap’s Crown and Sangiacomo vineyard components.
Analysis
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Varietal Composition: 100% de-stemmed Pinot noir
Fermentation: Open-top fermentation, Native yeast
Aging: 50% New French Oak
pH: 3.67 TA: 5.8 g/L
Bottled: unfined and unfiltered August 2022
Release date: Spring 2023
Cases Produced: 2600
Alcohol: 14.4%
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
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.
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.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant 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.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
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.
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.
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