Region: Sonoma County, California

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes: The 2021 Pinot Noir ‘West Sonoma Coast’ is superb. Dark and enveloping, the appellation Pinot is lights out. Dark cherry, menthol, licorice, sage and chocolate fill out the layers in an expansive, deep Pinot. Drought and stress seem to have amplified the fruit in this decidedly heady, exotic Pinot from Red Car. The 2021 is a blend from the Heaven and Earth and the Estate vineyards, both of which are planted to Calera and Pommard clones.

Producer: Red Car Winery began as a serendipitous project between friends in the early 2000s, sparked by a love for Syrah and a bottle of Jaboulet Hermitage from the Northern Rhône. Richard Crowell, Mark Estrin, and Carroll Kemp produced their first vintage in a Culver City garage, with a distinctive label inspired by the historic Los Angeles Pacific Electric "Red Car" trolley. As the winery evolved, the trio sought out vineyards along the rugged Sonoma Coast, ultimately establishing a home in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. Mark’s passing in 2005 was a turning point, with the winery vowing to honor his legacy with each bottle. Over the years, Red Car has become a symbol of cool-climate winemaking excellence, with a devotion to crafting elegant, site-specific wines that speak to the wild beauty of the Sonoma Coast.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The 2021 West Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a prime example of Red Car’s commitment to expressing the terroir of this unique region. Sourced from their organically farmed vineyards, including the high-elevation Red Car Estate, the blend is a mix of Calera, Pommard, and Jackson 16 clones, which contribute layers of wild blackberry, pomegranate, and baking spice. Fermented with 16% whole clusters and aged for 11 months in a combination of neutral and new French oak, this Pinot Noir captures the cool, breezy essence of the Sonoma Coast, with a vibrant acidity and silky texture that make it a standout among California Pinot Noirs.