2014 Kutch Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

100% whole bunch. Two vineyards with clay and sand soil. Soy, ripe cherry, so effortless and floaty yet with a long complete fruit profile and loads of enjoyable herby notes too. (RH)

The 2014 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is dark, bold and pungent, with intense red and black fruit, savory herbs, mint, herbs and tobacco flavors that are front and center. This is an unusually dark, intense wine from Jamie Kutch. The 2014 will drink well young, but readers should expect a fairly rich appellation-level Pinot. About 50% of the blend is from Sonoma Stage, a clay-rich soil that contributes textural depth. Last year I reviewed the 2014 Hellenthal. That juice was not bottled separately, but also went into the SC bottling. Kutch destemmed 40% of the fruit here, which is unusual for his wines and gives the Sonoma Coast much of its up-front personality. This is a very serious appellation level Pinot.