Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (2013)

About this wine

The 2013 Bannister Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir offers aromas of cherry, wild strawberry, pomegranate, anise, and eastern spices, with light notes of vanilla and French oak. The flavors follow suit with ample red fruit, a touch of dark fruit, dried herbs, and oak notes. The body and texture of the wine carry the package of flavors with great length and a lasting, clean finish. This wine was co-fermented and aged for 12 months in French oak, 30% new, with 25% whole cluster fermentation, resulting in a complex and well-structured profile. The Sonoma Coast's cool climate and diverse soils contribute to the wine's bright acidity and depth of flavor.

About the grape

Pinot Noir, meaning "black pine cone" in French due to its dark color and tightly clustered grapes, is one of the oldest grape varieties, with cultivation in France's Burgundy region dating back to at least the 1st century AD. In Sonoma County, California, Pinot Noir was first planted in the late 19th century but gained significant prominence in the 1960s and 1970s when pioneering growers like Joe Rochioli and Joseph Swan recognized the region's potential for this grape. The Sonoma Coast, with its cool, foggy climate influenced by the Pacific Ocean, provides ideal conditions for cultivating Pinot Noir, allowing for a longer growing season that enhances the grape's complex flavors. The 2013 Bannister Pinot Noir from this region showcases the unique characteristics that result from these optimal growing conditions.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 2013 Bannister Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is crafted from a blend of three Dijon clones: 777, 667, and 115, co-fermented to create a harmonious flavor profile.
• 🪵 This wine underwent 12 months of aging in French oak barrels, with 30% being new oak, imparting subtle vanilla and spice notes.
• 🌦️ The Sonoma Coast AVA, where this Pinot Noir originates, is renowned for its cool climate and high rainfall, ideal conditions for cultivating Pinot Noir grapes.
• 🍷 Bannister Wines' Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is produced in limited quantities, making it a sought-after selection for enthusiasts.
• 📅 The 2013 vintage of this wine was bottled in September 2014 and aged in bottle for 7 months prior to release, enhancing its complexity and depth.

Palate profile

Producer

Bannister Wines, established in 1989 by Martha Bannister, was among the first female-owned wineries in the United States. Initially focusing on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel, the winery expanded its portfolio under the direction of Martha's son, Brook Bannister, who took over in 2016. In 2022, they opened a tasting room and art gallery in Geyserville, California, housed in a restored 1919 bank building, blending historical architecture with modern design. The winery is known for its innovative approach, producing limited-quantity wines from unique vineyards and featuring rotating art exhibits in their tasting space.