Sonnet Gali Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017
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Gali vineyard is located in Corralitos, just a short distance from the Pacific Ocean. This immense cold body of water is essential for generating the cooling influence that world-class pinot noir needs, primarily via fog. The longer “hang time” allows the grapes to develop the unique black cherry fruit that defines excellent pinot. It also allows the grapes to hold onto their natural acidity, which is essential for ageability. Throw in the Santa Cruz minerality, and you have a formidable winemaking recipe. This 2017 offering from the Gali Vineyard shows all of these attributes and wraps them up in a subtle spicy oak that lingers the whole length of the palate.
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Black cherry, clove and oak aromas are potent on the nose of this bottling. The wine shows a more elegant side on the palate, weavign red cherry, wild mint and green sage flavors into a cohesive combination.
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2016-
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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.”
A rugged and topographically diverse cool-climate appellation with a rich history, the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA stretches from Half Moon Bay, just south of San Francisco, to the northern border of Monterey County. Elevations range from 800 feet to upwards of 3,000 and microclimates vary substantially depending on which side of the mountains the vineyards lie; cool ocean winds and fog play an important role here. This can be a challenging region in which to grow grapes, but it is well worth the effort. Santa Cruz Mountains wines are noted for balanced acidity levels, often showing great aging potential. Wine has been made here since the 1800s, most notably from the legendary Ridge Vineyards, whose Monte Bello vineyard garners international admiration.
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the stars of this region, while Merlot and Zinfandel also perform quite well. Organic and sustainable vineyard practices are becoming increasingly common.