The dark color owes to the small berries which are typical at Coastlands. The aromas are intriguing, with notes of wild berry, tree bark, sous bois, and cigar […]
Read More| TA | 0.71g/100mL |
|---|---|
| pH | 3.43 |
| Alc. | 13.3% |
| Barrel Description | 65% new, 35% 1 yr. |
|---|---|
| Barrel Aged | 16 months |
The dark color owes to the small berries which are typical at Coastlands. The aromas are intriguing, with notes of wild berry, tree bark, sous bois, and cigar box. The nose is reminiscent of a walk through the nearby Grove of Old Trees, located on the Sonoma Coast. For all its concentration and savory qualities there is a zest that keeps the wine full of energy. Berry notes mix with citrus and black tea to create a kaleidoscope of sensations. The wine finishes with citrus peel and hints of minerals. This would be a great pairing with a tea-smoked duck leg and a side of savory berry compote.
It was an auspicious start to the 2017 growing season with steady rain followed by dry spells which allowed for the soil profile to fill up progressively. The waterworks kicked into high gear in January at which point over 20 inches of rain had accumulated. That’s nearly double the historical average. 2017 was epic in many respects and at one point the Russian River waters touched Westside Road and the winery was waterfront property! As the waters receded and the soil dried up, temperatures moderated, and bud break ensued by mid-March. Steady rain through the vegetative cycle was balanced with days of brilliant sunshine which helped to grow green, healthy plants. The weather was very fine in May for the flowering period and ideal for the fruit set. As the season progressed there were periods of heat that occurred with some regularity. With plenty of water in the soil profile, the plants did not stress too much and physiological maturity continued at an accelerated pace. Due to the diversity in our vineyard sources, there is normally a natural spread in the pick dates. However, in 2017 there was compression of the harvest and many of the vineyards were ready in a short period of time. The process was nearly complete by the time the intense Labor Day heat wave hit and, thankfully, had concluded before the devastating wildfires in October. Through a Herculean effort in the vineyards and at the winery we were able to pick the grapes at the optimal time and preserve the freshness and acidity of the vintage. The consequent wines show a refinement to the tannin structure which will allow for early consumption but will age gracefully with mid-term cellaring. Through and through, the 2017 is an excellent vintage.
The 2017 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard is a wild, exotic wine that captures so much of what makes the Sonoma Coast so fascinating, namely the ability to achieve considerable fruit intensity and richness and moderate alcohol levels. Super-ripe black cherry, blackberry, mint, lavender and dark spice notes infuse a flamboyant, arrestingly beautiful Pinot loaded with personality. Once again, the Coastlands is truly exceptional. Don't miss it. A.G.
Ross Cobb grows this wine for Williams Selyem at his vineyard in Occidental, and you can taste the marginality of the climate in the pink-peppercorn spice and stemmy green savor of the tannins. It’s lively and long, a powerful wine crowded with youthful dark-fruit flavor and spice, delivering all its energy with coolness. Compressed and impressive, this is a wine to cellar.
Reviewed by Joshua Greene.
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2018 Central Coast Pinot Noir