The 2009 vintage was particularly smooth from start to finish. According to the winemaker, budbreak arrived on schedule in the spring, where they had experienced lower than average rainfall. Healthy flowering led to a very even set, with few heat spikes during the season. Timely veraison and cooler weather later in the season allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and spend additional time on the vine. The Pinot Noir in Monterey lasted a full 8 weeks, beginning in September and lasting all the way into October. By all accounts, 2009 appears to be an outstanding vintage.

In the glass, brooding, earthy aromas meld with juicy ripe plum, punctuated by lovely notes of black tea. The palate echoes the plum-filled nose, joined by black licorice and cocoa powder. A subtle earthiness leads to a generous, fleshy mid-palate and a smooth, mineral-laced finish.

critical acclaim:“A rich, vital, complex Pinot Noir. Completely dry, with a savory scour of acidity, it treads a fine line between ripe cherries and pomegranates and earthier notes of mushrooms and dried herbs. Lots of terroir in this fine wine, which will take a few years of bottle age.”

pairings: Earthy dishes and sheep’s milk cheeses.