2021 Flowers Pinot Noir Sea View Ridge Pietra

A medium youthful ruby hue, the 2021 Pinot Noir Sea View Ridge Vineyard has a lifted perfume of red fruits, orange citrus oil, cranberry, pink peppercorn, and fresh red flowers. The palate is medium-bodied, with ripe, fine tannins and a bit of angular but pleasant feel that will round out with some time, although it has a great energy from its refreshing acidity. I love this wine, which opens up beautifully with time in the glass. Drink 2024-2034. This uniquely situated estate is two miles from the ocean, just north of Jenner, in a location once referred to as the “far Sonoma Coast.” Now officially members of the West Sonoma Coast AVA and Vintners Association, they focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with most vines planted to Chardonnay, primarily to the loosely clustered Wente clone. The property has two main sections, notably separated by the Seaview Ridge Vineyard, which is the southernmost vineyard in that region and lies between the first and second ridgeline. The eastern side of this divide is planted on red volcanic soils, whereas the western-facing side has more decomposed and sandy soils. The estate's highest elevation lies at 1875 feet in Fort-Ross Seaview, and the lowest elevation is below 1500 feet. The property is surrounded by redwood forest but reflects the proximity and exposure to the coastline. The wines in this report were tasted with their director of winemaking, Chantal Forthun. As the longest-tenured winemaker at the estate, she’s been leading with a steady hand since 2012. Having worked with and learned from Randall Grahm, who’s known for his organic and biodynamic farming practices, she continues these principles at the Flowers estate today.

Lots of iron, dried cherries, terra cotta and dried flowers on the nose. Hibiscus and iron shavings, too. Full-bodied and very tight, compact palate with iodine, oyster-shell and crushed-stone undertones. Very fine tannins. Spicy at the end, Drink after 2025.