2022 Barnett Vineyards - Pinot Noir Sonoma Tina Marie
From Barnett Vineyards, a 750 ml Pinot Noir that reflects the hillside heritage of the estate and its careful sourcing from Tina Marie Vineyard in Sonoma County’s Green Valley of the Russian River Valley. Founded in 1983 by Fiona and Hal Barnett, the winery sits high atop Spring Mountain, cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties, while also pursuing cooler-site Pinot Noir for a balanced, expressive portfolio.
The Tina Marie Vineyard benefits from gold-ridge limestone soils and reliable coastal fog. Foggy mornings give way to warm afternoon sun, allowing grapes to hang late into the season while preserving fresh acidity. This cool-climate nuance is integral to the wine’s structure and refined nuance in every vintage.
Winemaking for the 2022 vintage involved three Pinot Noir clones undergoing a five-day cold soak in small open-top fermenters, with fermentation starting on native yeast and later joined by cultured Burgundian and German strains to add complexity. Gentle pump-overs built structure without heavy extraction, and the wine finished maturing in barrel to develop further.
The 2022 Tina Marie opens with a fragrant nose of pomegranate, cherry blossom, and white pepper, complemented by subtle notes of fresh truffle and a dusting of cocoa and cinnamon. On the palate, raspberry and strawberry jam mingle with a distinct gravel minerality, framed by soft, well-integrated tannins and bright acid. The finish lingers with fresh cherry.
Food pairing: this Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roast duck breast, grilled salmon, or a simple herb-roasted chicken, allowing its acidity, fruit, and nuanced spice to shine alongside the dish.