2023 Failla - Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast (750ml)

Winemaker Ehren Jordan founded Failla in 1998 with his wife, Anne-Marie Failla, initially releasing wines under the name Failla-Jordan before shortening it to avoid confusion with another Sonoma producer. Jordan cut his teeth at Joseph Phelps and Neyers before spending years as winemaker at Turley Wine Cellars, and he built Failla around a deep interest in California's coolest growing sites. The winery is based in St. Helena, though its focus centers on cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah from Sonoma Coast and Fort Ross-Seaview vineyards.

This Pinot Noir draws on Failla's Sonoma Coast vineyard sources, blending young-vine blocks from several sites along with fruit from Keefer Ranch, a well-regarded Russian River Valley property. About a quarter of the grapes come from Failla's own estate plantings, farmed to reflect the fog, ocean influence, and varied soils that define this stretch of coastline. A portion of the wine is fermented with whole clusters, adding a savory edge, then aged in a mix of new and neutral French oak before bottling unfined and unfiltered.

The wine offers a floral, perfumed nose layered with red cherry, raspberry, and hints of wild herb and baking spice. On the palate, juicy pomegranate and tart red fruit flavors carry through to a finish with a touch of earthiness, all wrapped in a light, elegant structure. This is a versatile red that pairs nicely with roast chicken, mushroom dishes, or grilled salmon.