Red Car 2019 Pinot Noir “Heaven and Earth” Sonoma Coast 96 Points

FMW 96 Points: “Bright aromatics of violets, black stone fruit, and a whiff of spice jump out of the glass.  This medium to full-bodied Pinot offers up a stellar palate of bing cherries, strawberries, a touch of saline, and minerality with a touch of espresso bean and bitter chocolate.  The wine lingers into a long, complex finish of silky tannins

Winery Notes: “Located just outside the tiny coastal town of Occidental, the 4.5 acre Heaven & Earth vineyard has been a darling from the time that we made our first vintage; over 15 years ago. Planted to 3 distinct clones of Pinot Noir and farmed organically by Red Car from day one, this site produces some of our most distinguished Pinot – truly unique to the site itself. The 2019 vintage was a unique one for our area – cool & long. This was due to a period of seasonal oceanic upwelling in the frigid waters of the Pacific Ocean, invoking cooler-than-usual temperatures along the coast throughout the month of August. This is in turn afforded fruit from each of the three clones at Heaven & Earth extended hang time, lending to deep, layered, and complex wines.”

Vineyard: “Heaven & Earth Pinot Noir is a 4.5-acre site less than one-mile northwest of Occidental. The vines were planted in 2004 using the Calera, Pommard, and 828 selections of Pinot Noir. Nestled into a picturesque little valley just east of the Bohemian Highway, the vineyard site is protected from the harsher offshore winds while still enjoying cool coastal temperatures. This sheltered yet cool environment keeps extreme temperatures to a minimum, effectively lengthening the hang time and enhancing site expression while preserving acidity and moderating alcohol.”.