Located in the southernmost part of the Freestone Occidental region, south of Sonoma, close to the sea and exposed to cool fog and wind, this wine has fine sandy loam soil. Thomas received 100 points from Vinous at Rivers Marie. 25% whole bunch fermented in open tanks, aged for 16 months in French barrels (30% new barrels). The grapes are exposed to the strong cold winds directly, which makes the skins of the grapes thicker and smaller. The tannins are powerful and rich, with sharp acidity. Along with wild berries and blood orange, there are also hints of leather and flint.
Technical information
Winemaking: Hand-picked and selected. Fermented in open fermentation tanks, 25% whole bunch ratio. Wild yeast used.
Aged for 16 months in French barrels (30% new).
Bottled unfiltered
Production volume: 70 cases
Tasting Comments
Pratt Vineyards' Pinot Noir has more Burgundian character than any other vineyard in California.
A livelier vintage than usual.
The scent begins with uplifting aromas of mulberry, blueberry, and plum, followed by hints of rose petals, carnation, wet stone, cinnamon, and ginger.
On the palate, you can taste American cherry, tarragon, marjoram, and spices along with moist, earthy nuances.
Field Information
Platt Vineyard
The southernmost part of the Freestone Occidental District.
It is close to the sea (about 5 km) and located above the fog line, so cool breezes blow in.
Well-drained Gold Ridge soils rise from an ancient seabed.
This produces wines that are concentrated and rich in minerals.
Pratt Vineyards
It is adjacent to Steve Kistler's own vineyards, his new project, Occidental.
(The vineyard was kept when the Kistler brand was sold.)
At Rivers Marie, Thomas used Pinot Noir from this vineyard to become the first wine outside of Burgundy to receive 100 points from Vinous.
Vintage: 2019
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Primary Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir (Clones 828, 777, Calera)
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Sonoma Coast
Vineyard: Platt Vineyard
Note: Jeb Dunnuck 94P
Winemaker: Philippe Melka
Vinification: Fermented in open fermentation tanks, 25% whole bunches, wild yeast
Aging: 16 months in French barrels (30% new barrels), unfiltered
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.2%