2009 Peay Pinot Noir Ama Estate

The 2009 Pinot Noir Ama Estate is a deceptively medium-bodied wine. Sweet red cherries, brown sugar, spices, licorice and dried flowers are some of the notes that waft from the glass in this delicate, perfumed Pinot. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Peay is one of the most intriguing young wineries in Sonoma. Brothers Andy and Nick Peay bought their property in 1996 and began planting in 1998. This site, near Annapolis, is in the coldest part of Sonoma County. When things go well, the harvest takes place in October. Two tons per acre – considered very low anywhere else in the world – is a very generous harvest here. Normal yields are in the 1.3-1.5 tons per acre range. Vanessa Wong, Nick Peay’s wife and a veteran of Peter Michael and Hirsch, makes the wines. Tel. (707) 894-8720

Vibrant red. Pungent, sexy aromas of black raspberry, cherry pit, cocoa powder and incense. More serious, even masculine, compared to the Pomarium. Fresh and gripping, with impressive sappiness and extract to its dark berry and bitter cherry flavors. Finishes vibrant and very long, with palate-dusting floral, mineral and spice nuances. This is the inaugural vintage for this wine, which is sourced from a section of the Peay vineyard that's planted to a suitcase clone and Dijon clone 828.