2019 Cloak + Loam Pinot Noir

Sonoma County's incredibly site-specific soils and the fog that cloaks the land inspired this barrel select wine. From the well-draining iron-rich loam of the Petaluma Gap AVA, with its volcanic rock, to the light-brown sandy loam Goldridge soils of the Russian River Valley, Sonoma County's loam soils shape the uniqueness of its wines.

The 2019 Cloak + Loam Pinot Noir combines fruit from the incredibly cool, foggy Gap’s Crown Vineyard with Earl Stephens Vineyard Pinot Noir, which boasts a classic Russian River Valley profile. Together, these two distinct styles forge a profile greater than their individual elements. Stephen’s clone 4, which offers a delicate midpalate, was picked on September 14th and Cap’s Crown’s clones 828 and 114 were picked on October 12th. These two clones together offer depth and also incredibly pretty aromatics. Fermentation lasted two weeks, with twice-daily punchdowns. 50% of the lots utilized native yeasts. We chose barrels with less toast levels to preserve and offer balance to the wine’s delicate aromatics. The wines were aged in 100% French oak, 28% being new, for 14 months.

An alluring bouquet of violets, rose hips and dark plum opens up to a soft, silky texture that showcases earthiness and flavors of star anise and plum. This is a seductive wine with a long, supple finish.