A blend of Aston Estate and Sonoma Coast vineyards, brewed in exactly the same way as the X label, aged in French barrels for 10 months (10% new barrels), and released one year earlier. Fresh red berries, cherries, cranberries, and other fruits burst forth while retaining the unique character of the Annapolis vineyards. With an emphasis on the balance of richness and fresh acidity, it is lively upon release, allowing you to enjoy the charm of fruit and spice.
Vintage Information
2020 is said to be a challenging year, but the fields in Annapolis, the northernmost part of the Sonoma Coast, had a very good growing season up until the harvest in August, and by the time the wildfires occurred, harvest had been completed in almost all fields.
There was also enough time before having to worry about smoke damage, and the grapes were fully ripe without becoming too sugary, maintaining their acidity and resulting in high-quality, concentrated grapes.
It is not overly fruity, but has a good balance between fruit and acidity, and the individuality of the vineyard is clearly evident.
Tasting Comments
The result is a wine that well expresses the characteristics of Sonoma Coast/Annapolis (a balance of concentrated red fruit flavors and excellent acidity).
The 2020 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir enjoyed a powerful, fulfilling growing season, resulting in a deep, rich, structured wine.
In the glass, it displays a deep purple hue and exotic aromas of bay leaves, sweet and sour raspberries, blood orange, and cedar wood rise up all at once.
On the palate, the mouth is filled with notes of fresh fruit, red cherries, crushed rocks and prime rose.
This wine is easy to understand at first sip, but the more you drink the more complex it becomes, making it enjoyable to drink now and also a joy to watch as it changes over time.
Vintage: 2020
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Main variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Sonoma Coast
Vineyards: 100% Aston Estate (own vineyards), with the possibility of blending with other Sonoma Coast vineyards in the future.
Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown
Vinification: Vinification varies by year, but almost all stems are removed.
Aging: Aged in French barrels for 10 months (10% new barrels). Aged in bottle for 2 years.
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.5%