98 POINTS -
"The 2018 Pinot Noir Far Coast Vineyard comes from a site not far from the Pacific Ocean, in the Sonoma Coast AVA, and it's one of the bigger, richer wines in the lineup in 2018. Deeper ruby-hued, with a stunning nose of ripe mulberries, Bing cherries, candied strawberries, spring flowers, and orange blossom, this is a spicy, medium to full-bodied, impressively concentrated Pinot Noir. Despite being from a cooler vineyard, it brings plenty of richness and sexy fruit, with a certain exotic character. I've always loved this cuvée (although I've always thought the Chardonnay was slightly more successful), but this might be the finest vintage I've tasted to date. Count me impressed. It's going to have 10-15 years of prime drinking. It's one of the finest Pinot Noirs in this report." - Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, July 2021
Tasting Notes
Far Coast Vineyard consistently produces one of our boldest Pinot Noir offerings. The 2018 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
2017: 97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, June 2020
2017: 95 Points Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, February 2020
2016: 98 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, June 2019
2016: 96 Points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, October 2018
2015: 97 Points Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, December 2017
2015: 97 Points Jeb Dunnuck.com, June 2018
2015: 96 Points Wine Enthusiast, July 2018
2014: 94 Points Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, October 2016
2014: 90-93 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2016
2013: 93 Points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, October 2015
2013: 91-93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2015
2012: 90+ Points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May 2014
2012: 96 Points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, December 2014
2011: 91 Points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, December 2013
2011: 93 Points Wine Enthusiast
2011: 91 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2014
2010: 92 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2013
2009: 92 Points Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, December 2011
2007: 93 Points Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, February 2010
2007: 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 ridge-top 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, 39% new
Time in oak: 16 months
Yeast: Native
TA: 5.9 g/L
pH: 3.60
Alcohol: 15.2%
Cases produced: 340
Unfined and unfiltered