98 POINTS -
"One of the standouts in this stacked lineup is the 2016 Pinot Noir Far Coast Vineyard. This beauty comes from a single block of a mountain site located north of the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. Aged 17 months in 37% new French oak, this is a ripe, sexy, and powerful wine that’s loaded with notions of ripe strawberries, kirsch, shrimp stock, spice, and hints of ground coffee. With building tannins, full body, beautiful depth of fruit, and an incredible texture, this magical Pinot Noir will compete with any wine coming out of California today. Drink it over the coming decade." - Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, June 2019
Tasting Notes
Far Coast Vineyard consistently produces one of our boldest Pinot Noir offerings. The 2016 follows suit with intense cherry cola, blackberry and cocoa aromas. The subtle earth and underbrush characters carry into the flavors along with Asian spice and a broad, lush texture followed by black cherry and blackberry fruits. The persistent finish is distinctly Far Coast.
Historic Acclaim
2016: "As good as it gets" 98 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, June 2019
2016: "Extraordinary" 96 Points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, October 2018
2015: "Extraordinary" 97 Points Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, December 2017
2015: "As Good As It Gets" 97 Points Jeb Dunnuck.com, June 2018
2015: "Superb" 96 Points Wine Enthusiast, July 2018
2014 "Outstanding" 94 Points Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, October 2016
2014 "Outstanding" 90-93 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2016
2013 "Outstanding" 93 Points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, October 2015
2013 "Outstanding" 91-93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2015
2012 "Outstanding" 90+ Points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May 2014
2012 "Extraordinary" 96 Points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, December 2014
2011 "Outstanding" 91 Points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, December 2013
2011 "Outstanding" 93 Points Wine Enthusiast
2011 "Outstanding" 91 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2014
2010 "Outstanding" 92 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2013
2009 "Outstanding" 92 Points Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, December 2011
2007 "Outstanding" 93 Points Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, February 2010
2007 "Outstanding" 93 Points Wine Enthusiast
Vineyard & Vintage Character
Our Far Coast Vineyard is a cool site surrounded by redwood forests, located almost two hours north of the Russian River on a Sonoma Coast mountain ridge. It is an area that some call the “True Sonoma Coast.” Others would simply describe the distant vineyard site as “the middle of nowhere.” Far Coast Vineyard sits just south of the town of Annapolis at 600-1000 feet above sea level. The Goldridge soils at this ridgetop site are well-drained and help to contribute to the sense of minerality and focus in this rare single vineyard Pinot Noir.
Wine Details
Oak: 100% French oak, 37% new
Time in oak: 17 months
Yeast: Native
TA: 5.6 g/L
pH: 3.63
Alcohol: 14.8%
Cases produced: 327
Unfined and unfiltered