2019 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
91 points
Jeb Dunnuck
Sixteen small, independent family-owned vineyard sites come together in this gorgeous display of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. This blend displays classic coastal traits of lively fruit graced with alluring floral and spice notes. Complex and inviting aromas of red fruits include Morello cherry and wild strawberry. A warm spice mix of cinnamon, clove, anise and coriander accompanies subtle notes of forest floor and pink flowers. The palate is full and finishes with good purity, supported by refined tannins and fresh acidity. The 2019 is a lovely expression, capturing the elegance and purity that are hallmarks of Pinot Noir at its best.
2019 was an excellent year. The modestly wet winter led to an unusual spring with six inches of rain in late May. The extra water caused strong vine canopy growth necessitating extra leaf pulling to improve air flow and suppress disease. No significant problems persisted as the vines moved into a delightful summer, with warm days tempered by cool afternoon winds from the Pacific. Crop levels were average and weather at harvest was particularly pleasant, with the fruit ripening evenly, and critically, not too quickly. The 2019 wines have rich, supple structures with fine-grained, plush tannins supported by juicy, fresh fruit flavors and clearly defined vineyard characters. These precocious, delicious wines should require less cellar time to reach an ideal drinking stage.
To craft our Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, we source grapes from a selection of California’s most renowned winegrowing families. The Dutton family provides us with fruit from several of their small vineyard sites. Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Charlie Chenoweth, Mark Sanchietti, Lee Martinelli and Steve Hill also contribute superb quality fruit to this complex blend of vineyard sites and clones. In addition, to achieve our goal of producing a Pinot Noir that embodies the depth, structure and vibrant fruit flavors of the Sonoma Coast, we continually seek out new, single-vineyard-caliber Pinot Noir sites to add to this delicious cuvée.
10% whole cluster added
100% Burgundian French oak barrels (42% new; 58% 1-2-year old)
Bottled without filtration to preserve the wine’s aromas and flavors and enhance aging potential
- Type:
- Red
- Varietal:
- Pinot Noir
- Region:
- California
- Appellation:
- Sonoma Coast
- Vintage:
- 2019
- Blend:
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Alcohol:
- 14.5%
- Fermentation:
- Multi-yeast fermentations (native yeast, followed by cultured yeast); 100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel