2023 Pinot Noir, La Cruz Vineyard
TASTING NOTES
This vintage is reminiscent of the warm 2014 & 2018 vintages with a smooth, lush texture, evidenced by richness and length. The wine is so wonderfully full in the mouth and fabulously round in flavor. Dark ruby red, shows a ripe voluptuousness while the flavors sail on effortlessly. Waves of raspberries, cherry preserves, red currants & sasparilla burst from the glass. While lovely, flavors of ripe cherries, date nut bread, cinnamon, brown sugar, and sandalwood are wrapped in a gorgeous silky texture. Has a mouth-coating unctuousness while seamless to its impressive lengthy finish. Acidity and soft tannins are just about perfectly balanced. While delicious to enjoy now, should be terrific over the next 5+ years. Age 1 – 7 years
REVIEWS
2022Lachini Pinot Noir, La Cruz Vineyard, Sonoma Coast 94 OB & INTL WINE REPORT
2019Lachini Pinot Noir, La Cruz Vineyard, Sonoma Coast 93 OWEN BARGREEN
2018Lachini Pinot Noir, La Cruz Vineyard, Sonoma Coast 92 JAMES SUCKLING
2014Lachini Pinot Noir, La Cruz Vineyard, Sonoma Coast 92 WINE ENTHUSIAST, 91JS
Notes on the 2023 vintage for the Sonoma Coast AVA: Though drought conditions subsided with good soil moisture lasting well into spring, California winegrowers up and down the coast celebrated a long, sunny year with nice, even crop loads. We were more patient with 2023 allowing flavors to develop over cooler temps in September. Ultimately, Mother Nature providing gorgeous grapes for potentially outstanding wines. An superior vintage for Pinot Noir with an even growing season and little to no rain or heat spikes.
The La Cruz (The Cross) vineyard is located at the Keller Estate Winery on a knoll overlooking the Petaluma Gap in Northern California. It receives cool morning fog from the nearby San Francisco Bay viewable to the South with a nice marine influence from the Coastal range bordering Bodega Bay directly to the West. The blocks from which we sourced this Pinot noir are planted to varying soils & elevations (up to 700’ and down to 150’) on vertical trellis.