The Sonoma Coast is an AVA (American Viticultural Area) that is unfortunately large and sometimes has difficulty finding a “sense of place” due to its vast size, varied soil types, and differing climates. However in recent years the Sonoma Coast has become well known for its specialty, Pinot Noir. Landmark has known about the potential of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir for many years and in this library tasting blog post we’re going to focus on some of our well known Sonoma Coast Pinot Noirs from various vintages.
2002 Grand Detour Pinot Noir: This 10 year old multi-vineyard Pinot Noir is light in body with aromas of wild berry fruit and tobacco. The remaining structured tannins lead over red fruits flavors on the palate. This wine is probably at its peak and should be consumed in the next 6 months.
2004 Grand Detour Pinot Noir: The 2004 harvest was early due to warmer conditions with high quality fruit shown in all the vineyards in the Grand Detour blend. This wine showed old world pinot aromas of soil and leather on the nose however on the palate this is definitely a California pinot. Ripe red fruit dominate while balanced acidity and tannins bring it together for an excellent food wine. This wine is probably at its peak and should be consumed in the next 6-12 months.
2005 Grand Detour Pinot Noir: Four Sonoma Coast vineyards (Kanzler, Keller Estate, Flocchini, and Armagh) made up the 2005 blend. The cooler 2005 vintage Grand Detour displays light red fruit and fresh turned soil aromas while on the palate the wine is lighter in body with sleek cherry and red fruit flavors. Pleasant acidity and a dry finish make it a great food pinot for richer dishes. This wine is probably nearing its peak and should be consumed in the next 12 months.
2006 Grand Detour Pinot Noir: For the 2006 vintage Gap’s Crown vineyard was included in the blend for a total of five vineyards from the Southern Sonoma Coast. Another cooler vintage however it’s still drinking exceptionally well. Non-fruit and earth aromas lead on the nose followed by plenty of strawberry, raspberry, and baking spice on the palate. This wine can be enjoyed now or held for another 12-18 months.
2005 Kanzler Pinot Noir: The Kanzler Vineyard is planted with three different Pinot Noir clones and the 2005 Landmark Kanzler Pinot Noir featured 50% Pommard clone, 37.5% 115 clone, and 12.5% 667 clone. It smelled and tasted much more “old world” in style with aromas of damp earth, Herbs du Provance, and wet tea leaves. On the palate red fruit and herbs dominate in this medium light bodied pinot noir. This wine is probably nearing its peak and should be enjoyed now or held for another 12-18 months.
2006 Kanzler Pinot Noir: The third vintage of our vineyard designate Kanzler Pinot Noir featured only free-run juice. The cooler 2006 vintage has aromas of damp forest floor and minerals while on the palate it showed unripe red cherry and black tea flavors in this balanced medium light bodied Sonoma Coast pinot noir. This wine can be enjoyed now or held for another 24 months.
