Winemaker's Notes
The blocks we have worked with in this vineyard were planted specifically for us nearly 20 years ago. Rootstock was determined by the viticulturalists according to the vigor potential of the soil and the affinity to the variety best suited to the exposure. We got to choose clones of Pinot Noir we were interested in working with. I think the choices made by all were very good, especially in the sections we have assembled to form this bottling.
The Platt family sold this fine vineyard in 2015 and after much friendly discussion, we decided to continue with the relationship albeit on a much smaller scale than previously. There were many other wineries interested in working with the vineyard as well and were willing to pay very high prices for the grapes.
Brilliant red cherry and Madrone bark, roasted beet, sweet loam. Full bodied on entry, this swiftly becomes refreshing and mouth-watering. Interestingly here, the finish grows toward the signature moderately firm tannin framework as opposed to the Russian River Valley wines where the tannins tend to melt before the acidity. Even at this early stage there is great transition and continuity to the flavors and textures. Due to the smaller area I have selected to continue working with and the generally smaller crop in the 2015 vintage, there were only 47 cases produced.
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – May 2019
The 2015 Pinot Noir Platt Vineyard is soft, fruity and exuberant, delivering a good deal of immediacy and up-front appeal, but it is also a bit less multidimensional than some of the other wines in this range. Even so, there is lovely density to the ripe red berry fruit. 92 points. Antonio Galloni
Judi Scherrer –
California Grapevine – July 2019
Medium-light to medium ruby color; attractive, deep, red cherry, blueberry, and red currant aroma with earthy notes and hints of clove and vanilla; medium to medium-full body; rich, textured, nicely balanced, red and dark fruit flavors with bright acidity and an elegant mouthfeel; medium tannin; lingering aftertaste. Showing some maturity this wine is very appealing now, though could still benefit from several more years of aging. Very highly recommended. My Score: 92 of 100 points. Nick Ponomareff
Judi Scherrer –
Purely Domestic Wine Report – May 2020
The nose is deep chewy dried blue plum, spice and cherry accented with herb, rose petal and cocoa. The palate is lean, briary and savory plum. Has solid personality with tobacco and polished currant on the finish. Drink 2020 – 2025. 92 Points. Doug Wilder