AROMAS & FLAVORS
The wine opens with delicate notes of wild strawberries, dried rose, and sage, followed by savory black tea. On the palate, mouth-filling red currant and cherry flavors overlay a core of dark fruit interwoven with earthy minerality, with a silky texture and a glossy finish.
VINEYARD
Nestled in the cool, southern portion of the Sonoma Valley, the rolling hills of the prestigious Durell Vineyard enjoy the optimum growing conditions for the pinot noir grape. Durell, with 60 distinct blocks on 160 acres, is strongly influenced by the cooling breezes and morning fog from the nearby San Pablo Bay and San Francisco Bay, and basks in the plentiful afternoon sunshine. Elevations range upwards to 50 feet above sea level. Soils here are sandy, as well as volcanic with rocky Goulding clay loam. Gently rolling slopes benefit from both cool bay breezes and warmer clime of Sonoma Valley to the north.
THE VINTAGE
A near perfect season, welcomed after several tense vintages, began with abundant February rains followed by drying sun and weather that allowed for even flowering and bud break. The slightly later start was followed by consistently ideal weather, with harvest later in September, resulting in fruit with great flavor and complexity.
FOOD PAIRINGS
Enjoy this Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir with salmon, sausages, pork, duck and lamb. A cheese board with brie, gruyere, Gouda, and chutney is also an excellent option for this wine.