2004 Clouds Rest Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

$100. This unique one and three-quarter-acre vineyard is actually on Sonoma Mountain but carries the Sonoma Coast appellation. Frequent fog drifts in from the ocean forming a billowy blanket about 50 feet below the vineyard fence. The Clouds Rest Vineyard is situated at 1250 feet and is the most intensely planted vineyard in the Sonoma Coast AVA and may be the most difficult and expensive to farm. The vines are planted 3 ft x 3 ft (an arm’s length apart) in volcanic soils and farmed completely by hand. The planted clones are Pommard 3 and 115, 667, and 777. The wines are aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak and bottle aged an additional 18 months to 3 years. The noted winemaker is Anthony Austin. I also sampled the 2003 vintage (dark in color, woodsy, earthy, pruney in flavor) and the 2005 vintage (excellent aromatics of black raspberry and spice, pepper accents, soft texture, toned-down from previous vintages and showing a refinement lacking in other years). · The aromatics benefit considerably from decanting. A blackberry bombast. Fruit-driven style with gobs of plush ripe fruit and a mountain-inspired earthy influence. Big, bold and definitely Caliesque in style Reviewed April 7, 2008

Winery: Clouds Rest Vineyards
From article: Pinots from the Edge