2023 Flowers Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

The 2023 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is a medium ruby color and is fresh on the nose with notes of lifted spice, compact red berries, Bing cherries, roses, and sweet herbs. The palate is medium-bodied, with a polished and fine texture, a silky feel, and clean elegance through the finish. It’s a lovely and charming Pinot Noir with a lot of finesse to drink over the coming 8-10 years. 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. Chantal Forthun, the director of winemaking, has 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.

The 2023 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is another terrific wine from Flowers. Bright, aromatic and lifted, it offers up an exotic mélange of crushed red berry fruit, cedar, cinnamon, pipe tobacco and dried herbs. Strong floral and savory inflections lend energy throughout. The 2023 is light on its feet and quite delicate, not to mention long on personality.