2023 Flowers - Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast (750ml)

Flowers Vineyards and Winery was founded in 1989 by Walt and Joan Flowers, former nursery owners in Pennsylvania who dreamed of combining their love of agriculture with a passion for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. That dream carried them to the rugged northern edge of the Sonoma Coast, where they purchased 321 acres along a remote ridge high above the Pacific and became pioneers in growing Pinot Noir at extreme coastal elevations. More than three decades later, Flowers remains defined by that original vision, farming organically and sustainably across two dramatic estate vineyards perched miles from the ocean.

This Sonoma Coast bottling draws primarily from the organically farmed Sea View Ridge estate, supplemented by fruit from several family owned vineyards that share Flowers' farming philosophy, all within the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA where plantings sit at elevations up to nearly 1,900 feet. The Pacific Ocean, less than two miles away, delivers cooling sea breezes by day and chilly fog by night, extending the growing season and preserving bright acidity. In the cellar, the fruit is partially whole berry fermented with native yeast in small open top fermenters, cold soaked, then aged around ten months in a modest portion of new French oak to let the coastal character of the fruit lead.

The wine offers cranberry and blackberry aromas layered with saline, aniseed, and Earl Grey tea leaf. The medium bodied palate carries bright, citrus laced fruit framed by silky tannins and a long, expressive finish. It pairs beautifully with roast duck, mushroom flatbread, or a simple herb crusted salmon.