2021 Flowers 'Sea View Ridge' Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Pungent, coastal aromas pin the source of this Pinot Noir - high-elevation ridges juxtaposed to the mossy, rocky shoreline of the Pacific Ocean. Bright, salty notes on the nose conjure a fresh sea breeze, while cool loam and the scent of wild botanicals embody the evergreen forest nearby. Red cherry and vivid wild strawberry pop on a singularly expressive palate, filling the mouth with firm but fine textures. A distinct vein of iron-rich minerality unspools under intriguing layers of orange peel and bergamot tea, all coming together in a vibrant, lingering finish.
The folks at UC Davis said it couldn’t be done. When Walt and Joan Flowers saw a newspaper ad for 321 acres of land on the Sonoma Coast, just 2 miles from the Pacific Ocean, they were immediately intrigued, but took pause. Only a few families – the Hirsches and the Bohans – were successfully growing grapes in such a cool part of California. Thankfully the Flowers ignored the ‘experts’ and planted Camp Meeting Ridge in 1991, so named for its history as an indian encampment and later, a site for religious retreats. Today Flowers is known for making some of the finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in America.
James Suckling
What an amazing nose of grilled dried seaweed, oyster shell, dried strawberry and iron. Full to medium body with linear tannins that give it drive and length. Iron shavings. Tight at the end. Superb.