96+ POINTS -
"Coming from the Sonoma Coast, the 2017 Pinot Noir Seascape Vineyard nevertheless seems to have a touch of Russian River-like opulence and power, showing loads of mulberry and cranberry fruit as well as notes of scorched earth, graphite, licorice, and damp forest floor. Rich, concentrated, and medium to full-bodied, it shows the more focused, backward, chiseled style of the vintage yet is far from austere or angular. The cellar will be your friend on this one, and a solid 2-3 years of bottle age are warranted. Nevertheless, it's packed with potential." - Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, May 2020
Tasting Notes
Aromas of raspberries, rose petal and pomegranate with sous bois highlight the Seascape Vineyard Pinot Noir. A savory mouthfeel of cherry cola, currant and spice is followed by silky, fine grain tannins in this distinctive cool climate Pinot Noir.
Historic Acclaim
2017: "Outstanding" 95 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, February 2020
2016: "As good as it gets" 98 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, June 2019
2016: "Extraordinary" 97+ Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, October 2018
2015: "Extraordinary" 96 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, December 2017
2015: "Classic" 98 Points, Wine Enthusiast, July 2018
2014: "Outstanding" 91-93 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2016
2013: "Outstanding" 95 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
2012: "Outstanding" 91 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
2010: "Outstanding" 92-93 points, International Wine Cellar
2009: "Outstanding" 92 points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
2009: "Outstanding" 92 points, International Wine Cellar
2007: "Outstanding" 93 points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
2007: "Outstanding" 92+ points, International Wine Cellar
2007: "Outstanding" 93 points, The Wine Enthusiast
2006: "Outstanding" 93 points, International Wine Cellar
2005: "Outstanding" 95 points, Wine & Spirits
Vineyard & Vintage Character
Seascape Vineyard is a six-acre site on a scenic ridge-top west of the town of Occidental in the Sonoma Coast AVA. The vineyard abuts an old redwood grove and faces cascading ridges to Bodega Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The well-known Coastlands Vineyard also borders the property. Because there is no ridge between the ocean and the vineyard, Seascape is in an extremely cold spot – so cold that Pinot Noir is often picked in late October. This cold and foggy coastal climate preserves natural acidity in the grapes and helps delineate the purity of fruit flavors and expression of the unique coastal terroir in this wine. Balanced natural acidity also accentuates the potential for long and graceful aging of Seascape Vineyard Pinot Noirs.
Seascape Vineyard is planted primarily to Dijon selections such as 777, 114 and 115 and is typically low yielding, which helps to ensure thorough physiological maturity in this cool and challenging site.
Wine Details
Oak: 100% French oak; 37% new
Time in oak: 16 months
Alcohol: 14.1%
TA: 5.8 g/L
pH: 3.52
Yeasts: Native
Cases Produced: 313
No fining or filtration