2005 "Ridges" Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

“Ridges” is Roessler Cellars’ first estate Vineyard, situated in the coastal ridges of Annapolis, in the Sonoma Coast appellation. The site is a perfect combination of climate and a variety of expositions, with ridges of its own within the greater coastal ridge system – hence the name. It is just close enough to the coast to get good coastal cooling and just far enough to get plenty of sun to develop truly ripe flavors. Roger spends a lot of time at the Ridges Vineyard, both to keep his eye on the details of the vineyard management, and because it is a wonderfully beautiful, tranquil place. With smoke and bacon on the nose, along with earthiness and a building fruit character, this wine matches fruit with some of the more intricate flavors and qualities of the true coast. The smoky nuance continues very nicely on the palate mingling with a combination of red and black fruit, and the finish harkens back to the initial impression on the nose, along with increased coastal character of earth and forest floor. Great structure, and while it pairs well with food, the tannins are supple enough for this wine to be enjoyed on its own. It will open up well over the next few years, but is showing very nicely right out of the gates. This bottling was named for Ollie and Hazel, Roger and Richard Roessler’s parents, and it is a fitting tribute. We called it “Cask 1” because in this first vintage of fruit from the vineyard, we got only 1 barrel (cask 1 of 1!). Fortunately, the 2006 harvest was more fruitful (literally), so there will be more to enjoy in the future, but for now, this first release of 23 cases is a very limited quantity, and is certainly something special.