In an area that is known for being challenging viticulturally, such as the Sonoma Coast, the Sonatera Vineyard has proven to be remarkably consistent both in terms of quality of fruit produced and character of the wines. Perhaps this is because we purchase four different clones from five different sections and are able to let each section ripen seperately, picking them when we think best, and then blending them back together in whatever portion we believe makes the finest wine.

Sonatera produces some of the most balanced and powerful fruit we purchase. The four clones and five sections that we source at Sonatera ripened over an almost 4 week period. We were able to utilize whole clusters with some of the clones as the stems ripened fully thanks to the long hang time the site affords us. We also fermented the varying lots using a variety of different yeasts, including indigenous yeasts, and also in a variety of fermentors, ranging from small bins to larger tanks. The goal was to produce a more complex, more multi-facted wine.

Upon opening, the 2009 displays aromas of exotic herbs, stem inclusion, earth and menthol. As the wine opens up layers of black cherry, tobacco and anise are exposed. The tannins are apparent, but the fruit is so concentrated that they seem to disappear in the mouth (though the do appear stronger after 30 minutes of aeration). The finish is polished off by the refreshing swipe of vibrant acidity. This wine will not doubt improve with some cellaring, but it may be hard to resist popping open bottles sooner rather than later.

Cases: 323
Released: April 2011