2018 Coastlands Vineyard Old Firs Pinot Noir

The 2018 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard Old Firs Block comes from vines planted in 1989. Various clones are planted on AXR1 rootstock, including Wadenswil, Pommard and Martini. Despite the rootstock, Ross Cobb notes that the vines are unaffected by phylloxera. "We are very isolated out here, and those old clones are doing fine." The vines produced a singular rendition in 2018, with alluring scents of pipe tobacco, dried orange peel and dusty earth and a core of pretty raspberry and blueberry fruit. The palate is bright and saline-focused at this early stage, expertly structured with shimmering acidity, silty tannins and an ethereal, spice-laced finish. It’s shy but hints at more to come, so give it 2-3 years in bottle.

The 2018 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard Old Firs Block is a powerful, incisive wine from vines first planted in 1989 with Martini and Wadensvil clones. A powerful, savory wine, the 2018 is going to need a number of years to soften. Dark cherry, tobacco, leather, cedar and spice add layers of nuance, but the 2018 is very much a wine for the cellar. The 60% whole cluster add quite a bit of aromatic complexity as the wine starts to open. Readers should be in no rush.