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%
Inky, plush, and cellar-worthy
The nose is an aromatic riot—a decadent mashup of blackberry, black cherry, and plum swirled with whimsical notes of red licorice, vanilla, and cocoa. A savory dust of spice, cedar, and a gentle kiss of oak adds a sophisticated edge to this fruit-forward powerhouse.
