2018 PEAY PINOT NOIR, SONOMA COAST, CALIFORNIA (750 ML)

DESCRIPTION Nick and Andy Peay just keep producing great wine up on Sonoma Coast. They have their high quality estate fruit, as well as that of their wonderful neighbors in part to thank but it’s really Nick Peay’s wife, Vanessa Wong, who is responsible for the clean, restrained house style. This 2018 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is another great example of that balanced, elegant winemaking. As they’ve been doing for the last few vintages, this 16 represents mostly estate grown fruit at 90%, left over from their Ama, Pomarium and Scallop Shelf bottlings – as opposed to more of the blend being sourced from their aforementioned vineyards in the region. We love the bright nose on this vintage which Andy calls “a knock-out featuring spice-laden ginger bread and tobacco leaf aromas accenting a raspberry and cherry core of fruit.” The medium bodied palate delivers the usual concentration and texture leading to the silky finish of crisp acidity and present, yet well integrated tannins. This wine has persistent length and ends with a note which Andy further describes as “a mixture of hibiscus, brine, and dried herbes de Provence flavors.” It’s another classically styled Pinot Noir from this great estate.