2005 La Brisa Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

La Brisa, Spanish for the seasonal breezes that roll over Northern California's most prestigious Pinot Noir vineyards, influences the elegant style exhibited by this blended wine. Cool climate and relatively high rainfall are the general ecological features shared by all vineyards located along the Sonoma Coast. These factors contribute to slow grape maturation, with optimum ripeness coinciding with the very end of the growing season. The appellation stretches as far south as San Pablo Bay, right up to the Mendocino County line. Wines from this coastal band provide a terrific balance of fruit, earth, and structure exhibiting concentrated and complex fruit flavors. Wonderful structure, fruit and earthiness on this Sonoma Coast appellation wine, in addition to smoky, meaty overtones on the nose. Predominantly dark fruit on the palate, especially black cherry and plum, combine with some redder elements, and as it opens up, some of the earthiness resolves into the seared portabella mushroom we had in the 2004 La Brisa. On the finish, the fruit seems to redden more to cherry or cherry cola, and the palate lengthens into a smooth, textured mouthfeel and creamy fruit.

PH: 3.60
TA: .59
ALCOHOL: 14.5
TIME IN BARREL : 10 MONTHS
SUGGESTED RETAIL: $28