93 Points - International Wine Report
A pleasure to drink now. Will further reward with 5-6 years in your cellar.
You'll want to grab as much of this gem as you possibly can!
Winemaking
In the Sonoma Coast in 2020, the grape vines woke up early and demanded their normal attention. Summer wild fires impacted many vineyards and hard decisions were made not to pick several vineyard blocks. Focus was on producing only the highest quality wine and only picked grapes and made wines that met standards. As a result, only a small quantity of Pinot Noir that showed exceptional vintage quality was bottled. This 2020 blend is layered with bright aromas and the silky mouthfeel common among the vineyard designate wines produced from these same vineyards.
Vineyards
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. As in 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: 3.64 TA: 5.7 g/L
Bottled: unfined and unfiltered September 2021
Release date: Spring 2022
Cases Produced: 600
Alcohol: 14.4%
92 Points
Aromas of blackberry, dried fig, black cherry, blackberry coulis, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cigar box. The palate offers rich and velvety tannins, dark chocolate-covered cherries, black plum, mixed berry pie and toasted walnut. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
91 Points
Layers of strawberry, baked cherry pie, anise, cherry lollipop, wild game, and spicebox. On the palate, black cherry jam couples with crème de cassis, mixed berry crisp, rhubarb, and a touch of vanilla.
New Release
A ferociously fun Napa Valley blend with depth, balance and big flavor. Aromas of red currant, fresh strawberries, black plum, vanilla, and notes of cocoa on the nose. The palate is bursting with fruit ranging from cherries, mixed berry compote, toasted hazelnut and more. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
