2009 Pinot Noir, Two Pisces Vineyard

Sonoma Coast (750ml)

The fruit for this stunning Pinot comes from a magnificent, biodynamically-farmed vineyard on the southwest edge of Petaluma in an area of the Sonoma Coast known as Petaluma Gap(not too far from where we sourced our 2009 Split Rock Vineyard Chardonnay). The climate here is characteristically cool, with the maritime influence of fog and wind shrouding the vines in the morning and evening. Pinot Noir is a varietal that benefits immensely from a cooler, longer growing season, allowing flavor development without getting overly jammy or losing its vibrant, natural acidity – a consequence of warmer growing climates. In 2009, we nervously waited for our 'cool climate' Pinot to be ready as we watched the development of an atypical September storm pattern that looked increasingly ominous. Pinotis a grape that does not handle excess moisture well – with its tight clusters of thin-skinned berries, it is very susceptible to bunch rot and botrytis, both fatal to the quality of a finished wine. Finally, we got the call that harvest was on, just before the first rain fell on Sept. 19.

When the fruit came in, it was in beautiful condition, perfectly ripe flavors without disproportionate sugar levels and with a great acidic bite. The small berries in tiny, tight clusters were perfect for a significant percentage to be selected and tossed into the fermenter as whole clusters – a common burgundian technique to enhance spice, complexity, and characterin Pinot. About 11% of the juice was bled off within hours of crushing (and used in our 2009 Shari's Rosé), enhancing the extraction of color, flavor, and intensity of the finished wine. The result is a wine that we are truly proud of and one we hope you'll find compares with the best Pinots from anywhere in the world.

In the glass, the color is a brilliant garnet, darker than some Pinots out there, but with shimmering translucence nonetheless. The nose offers beautiful, deep aromas of burnt cherry, rhubarb, with a subtle hint of forest floor. On the palate, after an initial burst of bracingacidity to entice the taste buds, the nectar expands into the mid-palate filling the mouth witha harmonious, balanced combination of red fruits – cherry, cranberry, raspberry – and spice,leading to a lengthy, velvety, ethereal finish tinged with toast and a hint of truffle.

This wine is substantial enough to pair with heartier dishes than many Pinots, yet light, balanced, and subtle enough not to overwhelm more delicate preparations. It would be a great accompaniment to classic Pinot-friendly foods like grilled Salmon or Coq au Vin, and would be lovely with a roasted duck breast in a cherry reduction or with lamb kebobs. It would also be a perfect wine for the Thanksgiving table! We’ve bottled 2 cases of special 1.5L magnums, perfect for a larger party or holiday meal. While most Pinots, especially Californian ones, are not especially graceful aging wines, this one has the fruit, structure and acidity to mature nicely with attentive cellaring for at least 5-7 years, and longer for the larger format bottles.