Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2017 (Patz & Hall)

Cellar for up to 14 years. No need to decant before serving. The Patz & Hall label was founded in 1988 aby four Napa residents who decided to pool their extensive winemaking expertise to create premium hand-crafted wines in their own unique style. Instead of growing and managing their own vineyards, the winery prefers to build close relationships with partner growers across Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Monterey counties. This gives them access to top quality fruit every vintage from many of California’s finest terroirs. Their Sonoma Coast Pinot comes from 18 small family-owned vineyards spread throughout the region, creating a cuvee of remarkable complexity and depth. The fruit is carefully transported to Patz & Hall’s state-of-the-art winery in Sonoma where it is vinified in stainless steel tanks and then aged in 45% new French oak barrels. Vibrant red cherry, strawberry, and delicate spice immediately burst out of the glass, followed aby deeper undertones of dried herbs, baked earth, and undergrowth. The first sip reveals a medium body, smooth tannins, and a long finish with a bright streak of acidity and hints of woodsmoke and tobacco leaf. The freshness and balance makes this a great match for roast duck, game dishes, or even hearty French-style sausages.