Saxon Brown Sonoma Pinot Noir

One of our higher altitude sites, Gap’s Crown Vineyard is tucked on the south western-facing slopes of Sonoma Mountain, at between 300 and 900ft elevation. Here, a naturally occurring fog pocket and rocky, brown clay soils combine with an influx of coastal winds from the nearby Petaluma Gap to create the ideal conditions for low yields and long hangtime. We pull from the vineyard’s original block, which produces extremely small clusters, of deeply concentrated, well balanced fruit. Our Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir was harvested in the early morning and transported immediately to the winery, where the grapes were de-stemmed into small open top tanks for three days of cold soak at approximately 45F. After the must warmed and started fermentation, we inoculated with a low rate of RC212 Burgundian yeast, punching down three to five times daily. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was pressed to 40% new French oak for a total of 18 months in barrel. The wine was bottled unfined. Wine Spectator: 93pts Plump, rich and generous, with tiers of black and wild berry, plum, black cherry and licorice, offering depth and elegance. Gushing with fruit on the aftertaste. — JL Wine Advocate; 92pts Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2015 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown has a nose of baked cherries, raspberry preserves and blueberry compote with hints of baking spices, dusty soil and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers mouth-filling berry preserves and spicy layers with a plush frame and earthy finish. Connoisseur's Guide: 93pts Our choice of the many goodies from Saxon Brown in this vintage, the Gap's Crown is, by a small but noticeable measure, the richest of the bunch and is fairly perky. It is broad and supple on the pallate, and its flavors are in line with its solidly Pinot, ripe red cherry and raspberry fruit notes and it takes full advantage of creamy, almost milk chocolate oak in its search for added range and depth. It is not requiring lengthy aging, this lovely wine is fully capable of rewarding anyone who gives it three to five years in the cellar.