Gold Medal - 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Winemaking
Harvested from a small block of Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley region of the Sonoma Coast. Yields are maintained at lower levels for increased quality, ranging from 3 to 5 tons/acre. A small percentage of whole cluster in fermentations with punch downs and pump overs to enhance color, character, and fine tannins. Aged in 65% new French oak for 18 months. The result is a generous mouthful of rich, complex Pinot Noir that delights the palate.
Vintage
Every vintage is certainly distinct, and 2022 was no exception. Bud break arrived early with a mostly dry spring. Warm temperate days and cool nights set the stage for ideal ripening during the growing season. In perfect condition from the spring rains and a mild summer, the vines withstood the end of summer temperatures. Harvest came in the early morning during the coolest part of the day to preserve the delicate flavors and balance. Attention to detail allowed the vines to develop to their full potential making for an exceptional vintage.
Analysis
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County (Russian River Valley)
Aging: 18 Months in 100% French Oak, 65% New
pH: 3.65 TA: 6.0 g/L
Alcohol: 14.2%
95 Points
Engaging and floral with its red roses, violet, and hibiscus on the nose that tease you to take a sip. Then, BOOM! Rich dark black fruit flavors of cassis, deep blackberry, mixed berry preserves, kirsch, baking spice and subtle notes of cocoa and oak that envelop your senses.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
93 Points
Dark fruit with blueberry fruit aromas and notes of mocha and cassis. The texture is silky, rich and mouth-filling with berry pie, black tea, exotic spice and notes of chocolate fudge on the palate. Fine grain tannins lengthen the finish with dark fruit flavors mingling with just a hint of mint.
92 Points
Deep garnet core with aromas of crème de cassis, blackberry, dark chocolate and licorice mingle and swirl on the nose. The palate is equally gorgeous with extremely rich cookie, walnut, plum and cassis with a long smooth creamy vanilla finish. This one is aged to perfection and ready to show off.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
Chewy & Ripe!
Dark purplish-black with aromas of ripe black plums, bacon, blackberry jam, and black tea. Dense, chewy and ripe across the palate with a nice mid-palate texture and weight. Rich, structured, and complex, with a long evolving finish.
96 Points
Ruby-plum core with a light purple rim in the glass, with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spicy cola and black tea waft from the glass. The palate delivers all of that and then some, adding layers of fig jam, white peppercorn and baking spice. Firm juicy tannins and balanced acidity round it out.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
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