2015 Sea Slopes
Pinot Noir
Wine Specs
Vintage
2015
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast
Vineyard Designation
Fort Ross Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 12-26, 2013
Aging
9 months in French oak; 30% new
Bottling Date
Late June 2016, Unfined & Unfiltered
Alcohol %
13.5
Robert Parker
90
Sea Slopes Pinot Noir is inspired by the majestic Sonoma Coast and the steep rugged ridges perched at the golden edge of the continent. Here, the cool maritime climate produces fruit of exceptional quality and allows us to craft wines of great elegance and purity.
94 Points, Editors’ Choice - Wine Enthusiast, October 2017
This wine offers astounding quality for the price, a juicy expression of fruit and spice with a depth of firm resolved tannin, lively acidity and layers of black cherry and cola. Approachable and delicious, it hits the mark on every level being light bodied and refreshingly balanced while complex.—V.B
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
This deep garnet hued Pinot Noir entices with black cherry and red berry aromas that are elegantly balanced by an undercurrent of dried orange peel. Generous black plum, bramble berry and raspberry with hints of black tea and spice evolve on the palate finishing with velvery tannins and the bright acidity that expresses
our coastal terroir.
Production Notes
The 2015 growing season began with early bud break followed by relatively warm temperatures until May, when the temperature suddenly dropped, slowing flowering and limiting the crop yield. After bloom the temperate weather allowed the grapes to ripen slowly until they were unhurriedly harvested between mid-August and mid-September. The lower yields delivered fruit that produced exceptional wine that is layered, focused and shows a gracious purity.
Winemaker Notes
The grapes for this Pinot Noir were handpicked during the cool early morning hours. After hand sorting, the fruit was cold soaked for several days. Fermentation occurred in a combination of 5 and 10 ton stainless steel tanks after which the wine was barreled into a combination of 30% new and 70% neutral French oak.
During fermentation both punch down and pump-over maceration techniques were used to achieve a balanced extraction of flavor, color and aromatic compounds. Once in barrels, time allowed the wine to seamlessly integrate the natural acidity, rich flavors and soft tannins into a perfectly balanced and perfumed Pinot Noir.
Other Notes
793 cases produced
2015 Sea Slopes
Pinot Noir
Wine Specs
Vintage
2015
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast
Vineyard Designation
Fort Ross Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 12-26, 2013
Aging
9 months in French oak; 30% new
Bottling Date
Late June 2016, Unfined & Unfiltered
Alcohol %
13.5
Robert Parker
90