2014 Chalk Hill Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2014 Chalk Hill Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2014 Chalk Hill Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast, The 2014 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is ruby in color and showcases strawberry, ripe cherry, oriental spice and toasty oak on the nose. Flavors of cherry cola, strawberry, and forest floor round out the palate with vanilla undertones and a bright acidity. The finish oF this Pinot Noir lingers with a velvety softness and notes of maraschino cherry and oriental spice. Overall, this is a fruit-forward style that can be enjoyed in its youth or aged for another few years.

Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”

The California Sonoma Coast is highly regarded for elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and, increasingly, cool-climate Syrah. The wines have high acidity, moderate alcohol, firm tannin, and balanced ripeness.

Perhaps no other winery captures the casual luxury of Sonoma County better than Chalk Hill Estate. Founded nearly four decades ago, this spectacular 1300-acre property features 300 acres of vineyards, wilderness areas, winery, hospitality center, culinary garden, residence, stables, equestrian pavilion, sports fields, fishing and swimming ponds, and guest houses.

The winery’s vineyards are thoughtfully woven through the native foliage and contoured to fit the intricate terrain. More than two-thirds of the Chalk Hill Estate remains uncultivated. The higher elevations offer stunning views of the Russian River Valley to the west and the Mayacamas Mountains to the east.