The 2016 vintage marked a “return to normalcy” for many in Sonoma County. After the disastrous yields of 2015, most vineyards saw closer to average tonnage and the rains that followed the harvest were more than welcome to alleviate the drought. Favorable weather allowed for even ripening and full phenolic development without being pressured by extreme heat spikes, as with previous vintages. Overall we are very pleased with the quality of the wine though we could always hope for more of it. The Chardonnays retained a zany acid profile typical of the coast, but the Pinot is what really stands out as unique due to their concentration and depth on the palate. If you’re looking for a vintage of Pinot that will really taste unique, 2016 is the one to get your hands on.
Winemaker Notes
A bright expression of our favorite coastal vineyards. Delicate aromas of green apple, stone fruits and white peach are balanced by hints of Meyer lemon and citrus. This wine is focused but smooth on the palate with incredible texture and hints of tropical fruit and a delightful acid.
The 2016 vintage marked a “return to normalcy” for many in Sonoma County. After the disastrous yields of 2015, most vineyards saw closer to average tonnage and the rains that followed the harvest were more than welcome to alleviate the drought. Favorable weather allowed for even ripening and full phenolic development without being pressured by extreme heat spikes, as with previous vintages. Overall we are very pleased with the quality of the wine though we could always hope for more of it. The Chardonnays retained a zany acid profile typical of the coast, but the Pinot is what really stands out as unique due to their concentration and depth on the palate. If you’re looking for a vintage of Pinot that will really taste unique, 2016 is the one to get your hands on.
Winemaker Notes
Heintz always impresses and this vintage is no different. Rich yellow apple and ripe peaches jump out of the glass along with the expected honeysuckle notes indicative of the site. Candied lemon, pineapple and hints of pear bring together this wonderfully balanced and delicious wine.
The 2016 vintage marked a “return to normalcy” for many in Sonoma County. After the disastrous yields of 2015, most vineyards saw closer to average tonnage and the rains that followed the harvest were more than welcome to alleviate the drought. Favorable weather allowed for even ripening and full phenolic development without being pressured by extreme heat spikes, as with previous vintages. Overall we are very pleased with the quality of the wine though we could always hope for more of it. The Chardonnays retained a zany acid profile typical of the coast, but the Pinot is what really stands out as unique due to their concentration and depth on the palate. If you’re looking for a vintage of Pinot that will really taste unique, 2016 is the one to get your hands on.
Winemaker Notes
Another wonderful example of what the coastal climate offers. Familiar raspberry, dark cherry and floral notes greet the nose but are joined by something very savory – dried herbs, mushroom and soy. Redwood spice, vanilla clove and smooth tannins capture the forest where many of these sites are planted.
The 2016 vintage marked a “return to normalcy” for many in Sonoma County. After the disastrous yields of 2015, most vineyards saw closer to average tonnage and the rains that followed the harvest were more than welcome to alleviate the drought. Favorable weather allowed for even ripening and full phenolic development without being pressured by extreme heat spikes, as with previous vintages. Overall we are very pleased with the quality of the wine though we could always hope for more of it. The Chardonnays retained a zany acid profile typical of the coast, but the Pinot is what really stands out as unique due to their concentration and depth on the palate. If you’re looking for a vintage of Pinot that will really taste unique, 2016 is the one to get your hands on.
Winemaker Notes
An exciting addition to Senses: primarily sourced from a region sitting along the western edge of the Russian River Valley. Quintessential flavors of red plum and cola embrace the palate as soft tannins and refreshing acids clearly indicate a strong maritime influence. This wine is robust, rich and more tannic than it’s coastal cousin and shows great age-ability.
Appellation
Russian River Valley
B.A. Thieriot Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
The fourth year of continuous drought caught up with many vineyards, shrinking yields in 2015 and causing water stress in many vines. Tiny clusters sometimes clocked in at 10% the weight of normal. However, the natural consequence of such a low yield is an amazing concentration of flavors.
Winemaker Notes
We’re not supposed to have a favorite child or wine…but there’s a reason why we’re always excited about this vineyard. It’s truly incredible and our 2015 bottling is no exception. Golden hued and beautifully balanced. Delicious tropical fruit, hints of quince, elegant texture, weight without being heavy, focus, and so many elements in between. Think the beauty of our 2013, brightness of 2014 and another layer of complexity that goes without saying in the 2015 vintage.
The fourth year of continuous drought caught up with many vineyards, shrinking yields in 2015 and causing water stress in many vines. Tiny clusters sometimes clocked in at 10% the weight of normal. However, the natural consequence of such a low yield is an amazing concentration of flavors.
Winemaker Notes
This is our newest bottling and there’s a reason for it. Named as an homage to the town where we all grew up, Occidental served as the tenth stop on the North Pacific Coast Railroad. Bright, texture-driven with slight hints of tropical fruit, citrus peel and mineral. Its brightness is rounded by a smooth mouthfeel and delicious weight. Incredibly focused and drinking beautifully, this wine will age and mature elegantly.
Hillcrest “Day One” Pinot noir
Vintage Notes
The fourth year of continuous drought caught up with many vineyards, shrinking yields in 2015 and causing water stress in many vines. Tiny clusters sometimes clocked in at 10% the weight of normal. However, the natural consequence of such a low yield is an amazing concentration of flavors.
Winemaker Notes
Wow. This site is always special but 2015 brings whole new meaning to this wine. It’s one of our boldest Pinots to date with bright red fruit balanced by earth and wood spices. Incredible concentration and texture dominate the palate. Bing cherry, savory elements, a bit of strawberry and beautiful floral notes. A velvet-like smoothness takes over once it opens up, but given its boldness and concentration, this is absolutely a wine that is enjoyable now but will grow in beauty over time.
Our boldest Pinot noir yet comes from a very special block in a very special vineyard now known as Perry Ranch. We are very excited about the wine and have named it accordingly. MCM stands for Max, Chris and Myles and doubles for the roman numerals of 1900, which when added to ‘88 marks our birth year of 1988.
Terra de Promissio Pinot noir
Vintage Notes
The fourth year of continuous drought caught up with many vineyards, shrinking yields and causing water stress in many vines. Tiny clusters sometimes clocked in at 10% the weight of normal. However, the natural consequence of such a low yield is an amazing concentration of flavors.
Winemaker Notes
Known as “The Land of Promise”, Terra de Promissio has an ideal terroir for Pinot noir. A truly delicious example of what the Sonoma Coast can produce. Strawberry fruit, spice and floral notes are just the beginning. Bold, dark cherry rides consistently on the palate with very balanced tannins that give an almost white pepper component to the wine. Great, subtle acidity is balanced by smooth vanilla and baking spice.
