Ernest Vineyards Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California 2023
Pickup available at DECANT Napa - 2999 Solano, Napa, CA
Usually ready in 1 hour
DECANT Napa - 2999 Solano, Napa, CA
2999 Solano Avenue
Ste A
Napa CA 94558
United States
Ernest Vineyards, founded by Erin Brooks and Todd Gottula, is renowned for producing site-specific wines that embody the unique terroir of California's coastal regions. This Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir exemplifies their commitment to elegance and precision.
- WINEMAKER: Joseph Ryan
- FARMING: Sustainable practices
- VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir (Clones: Pommard, 115, Swan, 777)
- TERROIR: Sourced from vineyards in the Freestone-Occidental subregion and the Petaluma Gap, characterized by cool maritime influences, Goldridge soils, and extended hang time before harvest.
- VINIFICATION: Primary fermentation on native yeasts with a small amount of stem inclusion; aged in 228L French oak barrels (25% new) for 8 months; bottled after nine months of élevage with light filtration.
- AGING: 8 months in 25% new French oak barrels
- TASTING NOTES: Richly concentrated aromas of ripe red cherries and plums with savory notes of underbrush, dusty roses, and dried herbs. The palate reveals mouth-watering acidity, salty cherry, earthy notes, and berry compote. The low alcohol level (12.8%) allows for a clear and pure expression of the maritime influence, with a fuller-than-expected mouthfeel, framed by firm but ripe tannins and a lingering juicy aftertaste.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal with roasted duck, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto.
- SCORES: 95 points – Decanter; 92 points – James Suckling; 92 points – Wine Enthusiast; 91 points – Vinous
BOTTLE CULT NOTES>
Ernest Vineyards Pinot Noir,
West Sonoma Coast, California 2023
I always try to remind folks that “California” wine isn’t a monolith but a patchwork of standout microclimates, soil types, elevations, and tastes. Ernest Vineyards, founded by Erin Brooks and Todd Gottula, has built its reputation on crafting site-specific wines that reflect the unique voices of California’s coastal vineyards.
The Sonoma Coast AVA is shaped by maritime influences—fog and cool breezes that encourage slow ripening and extended hang time. This Pinot Noir hails from vineyards in the Petaluma Gap and Freestone-Occidental, where the fruit achieves exceptional balance: ripe yet fresh, concentrated yet lively. Goldridge soils, a hallmark of the region, are sandy loams with excellent drainage that stress the vines, encouraging deep root systems and more complex, concentrated fruit. These soils also don’t trap heat, naturally regulating vine temperatures and allowing for overnight recovery, even during the hottest months.
Winemaker Joseph Ryan brings a thoughtful touch to this wine, starting with sustainable farming and low-intervention winemaking. The careful selection of Pinot Noir clones—Pommard, 115, Swan, Calera, and 777—adds layers of character. Native yeast fermentation with a small percentage of whole-cluster inclusion provides texture and complexity, while 25% new French oak barrels lend subtle structure during eight months of aging. At just 12.8% alcohol, the wine offers clarity and vibrancy that perfectly reflect its coastal origins.
On the nose, expect red cherry, plum, and wild herbs, accented by underbrush and dried rose petals. The palate delivers mouthwatering acidity, with berry compote, salty cherry, and an earthy, savory undercurrent. Fine-grained tannins frame the wine, leading to a long, juicy finish that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying. There’s a lot happening in this wine—and for the price, it’s a steal.
Looking for a pairing? Classic dishes like Peking duck, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or a simple mushroom and thyme tart will complement the wine’s layers of fruit and savory complexity. —Cara Patricia, DECANT Napa, JANUARY 2025
Ernest Vineyards, founded by Erin Brooks and Todd Gottula, is renowned for producing site-specific wines that embody the unique terroir of California's coastal regions. This Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir exemplifies their commitment to elegance and precision.
- WINEMAKER: Joseph Ryan
- FARMING: Sustainable practices
- VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir (Clones: Pommard, 115, Swan, 777)
- TERROIR: Sourced from vineyards in the Freestone-Occidental subregion and the Petaluma Gap, characterized by cool maritime influences, Goldridge soils, and extended hang time before harvest.
- VINIFICATION: Primary fermentation on native yeasts with a small amount of stem inclusion; aged in 228L French oak barrels (25% new) for 8 months; bottled after nine months of élevage with light filtration.
- AGING: 8 months in 25% new French oak barrels
- TASTING NOTES: Richly concentrated aromas of ripe red cherries and plums with savory notes of underbrush, dusty roses, and dried herbs. The palate reveals mouth-watering acidity, salty cherry, earthy notes, and berry compote. The low alcohol level (12.8%) allows for a clear and pure expression of the maritime influence, with a fuller-than-expected mouthfeel, framed by firm but ripe tannins and a lingering juicy aftertaste.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal with roasted duck, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto.
- SCORES: 95 points – Decanter; 92 points – James Suckling; 92 points – Wine Enthusiast; 91 points – Vinous
BOTTLE CULT NOTES>
Ernest Vineyards Pinot Noir,
West Sonoma Coast, California 2023
I always try to remind folks that “California” wine isn’t a monolith but a patchwork of standout microclimates, soil types, elevations, and tastes. Ernest Vineyards, founded by Erin Brooks and Todd Gottula, has built its reputation on crafting site-specific wines that reflect the unique voices of California’s coastal vineyards.
The Sonoma Coast AVA is shaped by maritime influences—fog and cool breezes that encourage slow ripening and extended hang time. This Pinot Noir hails from vineyards in the Petaluma Gap and Freestone-Occidental, where the fruit achieves exceptional balance: ripe yet fresh, concentrated yet lively. Goldridge soils, a hallmark of the region, are sandy loams with excellent drainage that stress the vines, encouraging deep root systems and more complex, concentrated fruit. These soils also don’t trap heat, naturally regulating vine temperatures and allowing for overnight recovery, even during the hottest months.
Winemaker Joseph Ryan brings a thoughtful touch to this wine, starting with sustainable farming and low-intervention winemaking. The careful selection of Pinot Noir clones—Pommard, 115, Swan, Calera, and 777—adds layers of character. Native yeast fermentation with a small percentage of whole-cluster inclusion provides texture and complexity, while 25% new French oak barrels lend subtle structure during eight months of aging. At just 12.8% alcohol, the wine offers clarity and vibrancy that perfectly reflect its coastal origins.
On the nose, expect red cherry, plum, and wild herbs, accented by underbrush and dried rose petals. The palate delivers mouthwatering acidity, with berry compote, salty cherry, and an earthy, savory undercurrent. Fine-grained tannins frame the wine, leading to a long, juicy finish that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying. There’s a lot happening in this wine—and for the price, it’s a steal.
Looking for a pairing? Classic dishes like Peking duck, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or a simple mushroom and thyme tart will complement the wine’s layers of fruit and savory complexity. —Cara Patricia, DECANT Napa, JANUARY 2025
Ernest Vineyards, founded by Erin Brooks and Todd Gottula, is renowned for producing site-specific wines that embody the unique terroir of California's coastal regions. This Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir exemplifies their commitment to elegance and precision.
- WINEMAKER: Joseph Ryan
- FARMING: Sustainable practices
- VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir (Clones: Pommard, 115, Swan, 777)
- TERROIR: Sourced from vineyards in the Freestone-Occidental subregion and the Petaluma Gap, characterized by cool maritime influences, Goldridge soils, and extended hang time before harvest.
- VINIFICATION: Primary fermentation on native yeasts with a small amount of stem inclusion; aged in 228L French oak barrels (25% new) for 8 months; bottled after nine months of élevage with light filtration.
- AGING: 8 months in 25% new French oak barrels
- TASTING NOTES: Richly concentrated aromas of ripe red cherries and plums with savory notes of underbrush, dusty roses, and dried herbs. The palate reveals mouth-watering acidity, salty cherry, earthy notes, and berry compote. The low alcohol level (12.8%) allows for a clear and pure expression of the maritime influence, with a fuller-than-expected mouthfeel, framed by firm but ripe tannins and a lingering juicy aftertaste.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal with roasted duck, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto.
- SCORES: 95 points – Decanter; 92 points – James Suckling; 92 points – Wine Enthusiast; 91 points – Vinous
BOTTLE CULT NOTES>
Ernest Vineyards Pinot Noir,
West Sonoma Coast, California 2023
I always try to remind folks that “California” wine isn’t a monolith but a patchwork of standout microclimates, soil types, elevations, and tastes. Ernest Vineyards, founded by Erin Brooks and Todd Gottula, has built its reputation on crafting site-specific wines that reflect the unique voices of California’s coastal vineyards.
The Sonoma Coast AVA is shaped by maritime influences—fog and cool breezes that encourage slow ripening and extended hang time. This Pinot Noir hails from vineyards in the Petaluma Gap and Freestone-Occidental, where the fruit achieves exceptional balance: ripe yet fresh, concentrated yet lively. Goldridge soils, a hallmark of the region, are sandy loams with excellent drainage that stress the vines, encouraging deep root systems and more complex, concentrated fruit. These soils also don’t trap heat, naturally regulating vine temperatures and allowing for overnight recovery, even during the hottest months.
Winemaker Joseph Ryan brings a thoughtful touch to this wine, starting with sustainable farming and low-intervention winemaking. The careful selection of Pinot Noir clones—Pommard, 115, Swan, Calera, and 777—adds layers of character. Native yeast fermentation with a small percentage of whole-cluster inclusion provides texture and complexity, while 25% new French oak barrels lend subtle structure during eight months of aging. At just 12.8% alcohol, the wine offers clarity and vibrancy that perfectly reflect its coastal origins.
On the nose, expect red cherry, plum, and wild herbs, accented by underbrush and dried rose petals. The palate delivers mouthwatering acidity, with berry compote, salty cherry, and an earthy, savory undercurrent. Fine-grained tannins frame the wine, leading to a long, juicy finish that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying. There’s a lot happening in this wine—and for the price, it’s a steal.
Looking for a pairing? Classic dishes like Peking duck, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or a simple mushroom and thyme tart will complement the wine’s layers of fruit and savory complexity. —Cara Patricia, DECANT Napa, JANUARY 2025
Ernest Vineyards, founded by Erin Brooks and Todd Gottula, is renowned for producing site-specific wines that embody the unique terroir of California's coastal regions. This Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir exemplifies their commitment to elegance and precision.
- WINEMAKER: Joseph Ryan
- FARMING: Sustainable practices
- VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir (Clones: Pommard, 115, Swan, 777)
- TERROIR: Sourced from vineyards in the Freestone-Occidental subregion and the Petaluma Gap, characterized by cool maritime influences, Goldridge soils, and extended hang time before harvest.
- VINIFICATION: Primary fermentation on native yeasts with a small amount of stem inclusion; aged in 228L French oak barrels (25% new) for 8 months; bottled after nine months of élevage with light filtration.
- AGING: 8 months in 25% new French oak barrels
- TASTING NOTES: Richly concentrated aromas of ripe red cherries and plums with savory notes of underbrush, dusty roses, and dried herbs. The palate reveals mouth-watering acidity, salty cherry, earthy notes, and berry compote. The low alcohol level (12.8%) allows for a clear and pure expression of the maritime influence, with a fuller-than-expected mouthfeel, framed by firm but ripe tannins and a lingering juicy aftertaste.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal with roasted duck, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto.
- SCORES: 95 points – Decanter; 92 points – James Suckling; 92 points – Wine Enthusiast; 91 points – Vinous
BOTTLE CULT NOTES>
Ernest Vineyards Pinot Noir,
West Sonoma Coast, California 2023
I always try to remind folks that “California” wine isn’t a monolith but a patchwork of standout microclimates, soil types, elevations, and tastes. Ernest Vineyards, founded by Erin Brooks and Todd Gottula, has built its reputation on crafting site-specific wines that reflect the unique voices of California’s coastal vineyards.
The Sonoma Coast AVA is shaped by maritime influences—fog and cool breezes that encourage slow ripening and extended hang time. This Pinot Noir hails from vineyards in the Petaluma Gap and Freestone-Occidental, where the fruit achieves exceptional balance: ripe yet fresh, concentrated yet lively. Goldridge soils, a hallmark of the region, are sandy loams with excellent drainage that stress the vines, encouraging deep root systems and more complex, concentrated fruit. These soils also don’t trap heat, naturally regulating vine temperatures and allowing for overnight recovery, even during the hottest months.
Winemaker Joseph Ryan brings a thoughtful touch to this wine, starting with sustainable farming and low-intervention winemaking. The careful selection of Pinot Noir clones—Pommard, 115, Swan, Calera, and 777—adds layers of character. Native yeast fermentation with a small percentage of whole-cluster inclusion provides texture and complexity, while 25% new French oak barrels lend subtle structure during eight months of aging. At just 12.8% alcohol, the wine offers clarity and vibrancy that perfectly reflect its coastal origins.
On the nose, expect red cherry, plum, and wild herbs, accented by underbrush and dried rose petals. The palate delivers mouthwatering acidity, with berry compote, salty cherry, and an earthy, savory undercurrent. Fine-grained tannins frame the wine, leading to a long, juicy finish that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying. There’s a lot happening in this wine—and for the price, it’s a steal.
Looking for a pairing? Classic dishes like Peking duck, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or a simple mushroom and thyme tart will complement the wine’s layers of fruit and savory complexity. —Cara Patricia, DECANT Napa, JANUARY 2025