Guide to the best Sonoma County Wines

The Ultimate Guide To The Best Sonoma County Wines

Sonoma County is one of the most well-known wine regions in the world. It is home to over 400 wineries and vineyards and has some of the most scenic scenery in California. The best Sonoma County wines are made from grapes grown on its many hillsides throughout the 19 AVAs. Below you will find information about all 19 Sonoma County AVAs and along with details on the best Sonoma wineries to visit. If you love Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel you’ll love wines being produced in Sonoma Valley.

Sonoma County is currently home to 19 AVA’s and each has it’s own climate, topography, soil and marine influence. Click any region below to learn more about the wine and wineries in the AVA.

Sonoma County Wine Map

Map of Sonoma County AVA’s

Search for Sonoma Wine Tours, Sonoma Valley Wines, and the best sonoma wineries to visit, by downloading Wine Routes.

Alexander Valley

In the heart of Geyserville, Alexander Valley is home to multi-generational grape growers, premium wineries, and acres of breathtaking vistas. An undiscovered and idyllic place to visit, Alexander Valley is proud of its small-town roots, and big-time Cabernet. We invite you to taste our wines, spend time in the beauty of our valley, and celebrate our way of life. This is Cab Country.

Explore Alexander Valley

14,449

Vineyard Acres

43

Wineries

Cabernet Sauvignon

Key Varieties

Top Wines in Alexander Valley

The 2018 Alexander Valley Estate is a ripe, robust edition of our flagship. It is, as ever, one hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon blended from all three of our estate vineyards. Fruit from our mountain vineyard, named Pyramid, makes up more than half the blend with the balance close to evenly split between our other two ranches – Red Winery and Stone. The nose on the 2018 shows black cherry, cassis, fig, and chocolate. But all that ripe fruit bellies a decided tannic palate and grippy, dry finish. The tannin of the 2018 reminds me of good year in Bordeaux, the fruit reminds me of a good year in Alexander Valley. Drink fall 2022 through New Year’s Eve, 2040.

Our 2015 Stuhlmuller Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon offers lively aromatics reminiscent of fresh dark berries with woodsy accents of violets, cigar box, and cedar. Fine-grained tannins frame a rich velvety palate that boasts flavors of kirsch, black currants, and bittersweet chocolate. Excellent length pushes the complexity of this wine as the finish unwinds with both sweet and savory spice notes.

Bennett Valley

Sonoma County’s 13th Appellation

Just South and East of the city of Santa Rosa is Bennett Valley, a small appellation with an impressive reputation for Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. A cleft in the surrounding mountains allows cool fog and wind to pour into the valley moderating summer temperatures and creating conditions ideal for the production of ultra-premium cool climate varietals.

Explore Bennett Valley

900

Vineyard Acres

17

Wineries

Chardonnay, Merlot

Key Varieties

The 2018 Syrah is another absolutely exquisite wine from the west slope of the estate. It is deep and potent to the core. The vintage captures a striking mix of lush fruit as a result of perfect weather throughout the growing season. All the elements simply fell into place giving us magical Syrah that will thrill Sonoma and Cote Rotie lovers alike. The wine is lovely and approachable in its youth but will age well in the cellar.

This wine is deep garnet in color and has brilliant clarity. The fruit’s aromas are distinct of violets along with some blackberry, allspice and vanilla notes. On the palate, the same dark fruits mingle with flavors of pomegranate and mocha. Soft acidity allows the fruit characters to shine through, while the soft tannins linger on the palate. Versatality with food is a hallmark of all of our wines. Enjoy the 2020 Estate Pinot Noir with a variety of poultry, beef, pork and game, as well as vegetables, cheeses, olives, and savory dishes.

Carneros

One of the world’s premier winegrowing regions, Carneros is a cool climate appellation known for its unassailable Chardonnays, elegant Pinot Noirs and spectacular sparkling wines. Fun fact: Carneros was the first wine region based on climate rather than political boundaries.

Learn More About Carneros

6,481

Vineyard Acres

22

Wineries

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Key Varieties

The 2019 vintage broke with the past as we pursued an intense, vine by vine farming protocol with a hope of increased vine health and a resulting wine with vitality and focus. The final blend was assembled from four different lots; however, the core of the wine is built around a small subsection of our older vines that find footing in gravel soils—a unique soil for the area. There, the vine roots reach nearly 4 feet down, the clusters are miniature, and the resulting wines are without question, the most concentrated. Fermented completely natively, the nose is driven by açai berry, cocoa, and blood orange. On the palate, the naturally higher-acid fruit drives the wine, while the weight and concentration are felt on the mid-palate accelerating nicely into a long, satisfying finish. This wine embraces the vintage perfectly and we are incredibly proud of the final product.

The Carneros Pinot Noir is Donum’s flagship wine made every vintage since inception in 2001. Blended from vineyard blocks spanning the Estate, the blend is carefully assembled using only barrels that meet their rigorous quality standards. The grapes are organically grown, and fermentation uses yeast native to the Estate. Each block is harvested and fermented separately and then aged for 16 months in French oak barrels. In the last month, winemakers select the barrels that best represent the terroir of the Estate and the Carneros region in the final blend.

Chalk Hill

Soil, climate and elevation all separate Chalk Hill from other parts of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. Occupying the northeast corner of the Russian River AVA, Chalk Hill is named for its chalky white ash soils. These mildly fertile soils lend themselves to the production of excellent whites, particularly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Learn More About Chalk Hill

1,491

Vineyard Acres

5

Wineries

Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon

Key Varieties

This elegant medium-bodied Cabernet Franc is perfectly balanced from nose to finish with swirls of mixed berries and earthly components. Aromas of muddled black cherries, sage and lavender ignite your senses on the nose mirroring a sophisticated tincture, which are then embraced by hints of crushed gravel and sweet tobacco leaves. On the palate, notes of cranberry juice are compacted by waves of various perzines ranging from cracked black pepper to spiced chilis, which linger on a smooth and dry finish. 

Rich, savory, smooth. Age-worthy. Our Estate Red is the culmination of decades of site-specific research with the goal of creating a single red wine that evokes the unique character of the estate. The palate is dense and rich with layers of black fruits, dark chocolate and vanilla, framed by supple tannins. This wine will age beautifully over the next 15 years.

Dry Creek Valley

Approximately 16 miles long and two miles wide, Dry Creek Valley is one of the smallest enclosed American Viticultural Areas. Roughly 9,300 acres of vineyards extend along the valley floor, the surrounding benchlands and hillsides, and 63 wineries produce a diverse selection of wines ranging from the renowned Zinfandels to Bordeaux and Mediterranean varietals.

Dry Creek Valley Most Beautiful Wineries

9,355

Vineyard Acres

63

Wineries

Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel

Key Varieties

The 2018 Tug O’ War Zinfandel is deep garnet in color. Pure, lush fruit aromas of blackberry and raspberry reflect a classic Russian River profile with the added complexity of floral and candied orange notes. Dark and brooding in nature, the polished, tannic structure is filled out with plush fruit and balanced with vibrant acidity that leads to a finessed, spicy finish.

It’s all about the grapes. The fruit is a compilation of grapes from Dry Creek Valley making this wine very unique. Starting with Zinfandel grapes from one of the highest elevations above the west side of the appellation, the wine is married with valley Petite Sirah and some fruit from F. Teldeschi vines. 2019 award winner ‘Best in Dry Creek Valley”. The result is a delightful union that starts out racy and lean but ends with a flourish of jammy fruit. Please note the briar, berry and solid, yet smooth, tannins giving proof of the grapes’ Dry Creek heritage. The long finish is wonderful now but should mellow even more as time passes. Enjoy this classic Zinfandel with Italian fare and your own personal barbecue creation. 14.2% Alcohol.

Fort Ross – Seaview

Lingering coastal fog in the valleys below yields the right amount of cool on the vines of Fort Ross-Seaview. The region rises above the fogline to occupy a completely unique ecosystem—one that’s dryer, sunnier and warmer than most. This elevated, “coastal cool” maritime climate is ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. There are also plantings of Pinotage, Roussanne and, further inland, highly acclaimed Syrah, Zinfandel and Cabernet..

715

Vineyard Acres

7

Wineries

Pinot Noir

Key Varieties

Our 2018 Fort-Ross Seaview Pinot Noir has bright aromas of wild strawberry, fresh herbs and red plum. The vibrant palate has a refined mouthfeel with flavors of rhubarb and raspberry. The balance in acidity and structure, along with notes of baking spice, linger in the long finish.

A certain wild character is immediately evident on the nose of this Precious Mountain Pinot Noir which perfectly embodies the uniqueness of this site. Dark berry aromas, pomegranate, and dried herb notes combine in a very complex and layered nose. Hints of soy are juxtaposed with very light and airy tones of cedar and citrus. Cloaked in the wonderful extract are robust mountaintop tannins that drive to an elegant finish of citrus and minerals. As usual, this wine will benefit from a little age, if you can keep your hands off it.

Fountaingrove District

Best Sonoma County Wines

A relative newcomer to California wine, the Fountaingrove District AVA was established in 2015. While situated more inland than other northern California appellations, this 38,000-acre slice of rolling hills remains tempered by cool ocean winds.

Here, a quintessential mix of Bordeaux and California grape varieties thrive in iron-rich volcanic soils under extended growing seasons. Named after a former utopian community founded in the late 1800s, Fountaingrove District covers a sizable elevation range, stretching from roughly 400-2,000 feet above sea level. Many have dubbed this fertile appellation “the Eden of the West.”

600

Vineyard Acres

6

Wineries

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah

Key Varieties

Very complexly layered spice and black fruits, lively! Dark chocolate, Creamy oak, a bit of vanilla cola, brown spices-nutmeg/cinnamon. Rich in mouth, has good structure for aging, a bit chewy in its youth.

Green Valley

Foggy and filled with Goldridge soil for growing perfect Pinot Noir, Green Valley is one of the smallest appellations in Sonoma County. It’s very tightly delineated, both geographically and climatically, and is the most consistent of any North Coast appellation in terms of soil, climate and flavor.

Learn More About Green Valley

2,860

Vineyard Acres

10

Wineries

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Key Varieties

Year after year, the center blocks of Hallberg Ranch yield some of our most dramatic expressions of Pinot Noir, and the 2018 vintage is no exception. Displaying a glorious coastal rusticity the nose offers a medley of woodsy tones, with layers of truffles, forest floor and cool, morning moss mingling with dark berry aromas and notes of sassafras, soy and maple. On the palate, the tannins are pleasantly chewy, adding depth and stately structure to the black and purple fruit flavors, with hints of anise, pecan, pine needles and earthy mushroom lingering on the multifaceted finish.

The energetic lemon oil of the nose is accented by tropical notes of guava, kumquat and young pineapple. A whiff of jasmine and an underlay of chestnut perform a floral/savory dance, with crushed oyster shells adding a note of mineral salinity. As you dive in for the first sip, the lemon and tangerine spreads out in a creamy but gossamer light caress, providing an enthralling textural element to the wine that’s usually reserved for reds.

Knights Valley

Knights Valley is a wine-growing region located in Sonoma County, California. It is situated in the northern part of the county, east of the Napa Valley and north of the Sonoma Valley. The area is known for its warm days and cool nights which provides an ideal climate for growing grapes.

The region’s name is derived from a land grant given to a pioneer named Charles Knight in 1838. The valley is relatively small and covers only around 3,300 acres with around 900 acres of those dedicated to commercial vineyards. The area is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon wines, which are grown on the valley’s rocky, volcanic soils.

2,496

Vineyard Acres

2

Wineries

Cabernet Sauvignon

Key Varieties

The 2017 Haggerty Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifies the indelible character of the “See” Clone—pure cassis, Damson plum, and crystalized violet. As this classic Cabernet takes on French oak during aging, we see emerging notes of blonde Virgina tobacco, vanilla bean, Gianduja chcolate and Indonesian coffee. Imminently drinkable and intense from the outset, this will cellar well for 20 years or more.

The fruit for this wine is harvested by hand from the Ehret Family’s estate Bavarian Lion Vineyards located in Knights Valley. The Knights Valley AVA is protected from the marine influence of the Pacific Ocean, making it the warmest AVA in Sonoma County. The vineyards on the estate range from 400-800 feet in elevation and are located just north of Calistoga and east of Alexander Valley, on the foothills of Mount St. Helena. The unique topography and soil content make this a most desirable area to grow Bordeaux and Northern Rhône grapes. The soil consists of well drained, very gravelly and sandy loams formed from mixed sedimentary and basic rock.

Moon Mountain District

The “Moon Mountain District” is a wine-growing region within Sonoma County, California. It is known for its high-elevation vineyards, which are planted between 400 and 2,200 feet above sea level. The district covers an area of 17,663 acres, with 1,500 acres of that area dedicated to commercial vineyards. The higher elevations of the Moon Mountain District provide a cooler climate, which can lead to a longer growing season for the grapes, resulting in wines with a unique flavor profile. The area is also known for its rocky, volcanic soil, which can contribute to the character of the wines grown there. The district is known for producing high-quality red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, but also has some white wine vineyards.

1,500

Vineyard Acres

4

Wineries

Cabernet Sauvignon

Key Varieties

This Moon Mountain District Syrah from our Mountain Terraces Vineyard is a special jewel full of unparalleled balance. Deep purple in color with vibrant aromas of blackberry boysenberry. Ripe blueberry, plum and cranberry with a hint of carmel glide over the palate framed by velvety tannins coming together in a complex finish that lingers long after the last sip.

This elegant Merlot greets the nose with rich aromas of ripe cherry and violets, followed by a lush mouth feel with layers of blackberry, currant, and a touch of chocolate. These flavors combine with soft and supple tannins to create a long, silky smooth finish.

Northern Sonoma County

The Northern Sonoma County AVA (American Viticultural Area) is a wine-growing region located in the North Bay region of California, USA. It is situated in the northern part of Sonoma County and encompasses several sub-AVAs such as Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley. This region is known for its diverse microclimates, soils and topography which makes it suitable for a wide variety of wine grape varieties.

The Northern Sonoma County AVA was officially established in 1983, it encompasses around 80,000 acres of vineyards, which makes it the second largest AVA in Sonoma County. The area is known for producing a wide variety of wine grapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The region’s wines are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts and critics, and have been recognized for their complexity, balance, and elegance.

The region is home to many well-established wineries, many of which have been in operation for several decades. Many wineries in the region are open for tastings and tours, providing visitors with a chance to sample wines and learn about the region’s unique growing conditions and winemaking techniques. The Northern Sonoma County AVA is also known for its sustainable and organic farming practices, which are becoming increasingly common in the region.

32,900

Vineyard Acres

180+

Wineries

Cabernet Sauvignon

Key Varieties

2019 Pinot Noir – Burnside Road $55.00 1 ADD TO CART 93 Points – James Suckling This expressive wine begins with dark and savory and evolves through earth and spice to end on a delicate floral note. It requires time to savor and truly appreciate what it’s offering. It’s the kind of Pinot we love to make (and drink!). The silky texture is offset with a bright, juicy vein of acidity that runs straight through the wine and compliments the tannins on the finish. The wine has an awesome persistence in both flavors and tactile presence as it lingers and pushes for the next sip. As with prior vintages, the Burnside Pinot makes a statement about spicy and earth-driven Pinot where fruit states a back seat and the vineyard site shines through.

This powerful Cabernet Sauvignon from the hillsides of Alexander Valley has aromas of lush, red plum and dark berries that dominate the glass, while hints of cassis and milk chocolate play in the background. The dried fig and chewy tannins give this wine a strong backbone, while the 24 months of barrel aging have softened this bold wine just enough to enjoy now with a cheese and charcuterie board, filet mignon with grilled vegetables or a dark chocolate mousse. Drink over the next 5 to 7 years.

Petaluma Gap

Petaluma Gap is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in the North Bay region of California, USA. It is situated in the southern part of Sonoma County and encompasses parts of the cities of Petaluma, Penngrove, and Cotati. The area is known for its unique microclimate and soil conditions, which make it well-suited for growing high-quality grapes.

The Petaluma Gap AVA was officially established in 2018. The region gets its name from the Petaluma Gap, a wind tunnel that runs through the area, which helps to cool the vineyards and extend the growing season. The area’s soils are mostly composed of marine sandstone, which contribute to the unique character of the wines produced there. The region is known for producing a wide variety of wine grapes such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc.

The Petaluma Gap AVA is a relatively small wine-growing region, with around 2,000 acres of vineyards. The area is home to a number of small, family-owned wineries, many of which focus on sustainable and organic farming practices. The region’s wines are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts and critics, and have been recognized for their complexity, balance, and elegance.

Learn More About Petaluma Gap

4,000

Vineyard Acres

9

Wineries

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Syrah

Key Varieties

The 2019 Robert’s road Chardonnay is full of stone fruit character. Ripe peaches and nectarines lead the way into baking spice, creamy mouthfeel, and bright freshness.

The 2019 El Coro Pinot Noir shows an array of bright hibiscus, vanilla, damp earth, and dark cherry aromas. In the mouth, layers of classic flavors like black cherry, forest floor, and pomegranate encounter exhibits of red plum and cassis. The fine tannins are rounded out with a hint of cedar and cinnamon in the finish. There is a juxtaposition of intensity and delicacy with this wine.

Pine Mountain – Cloverdale

Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak AVA is a wine-growing region located in the northern part of California. It is situated in the northern part of Sonoma County and encompasses parts of the cities of Healdsburg and Cloverdale. The region is known for its high-elevation vineyards, which are planted between 800 and 2,600 feet above sea level. It is characterized by its cool climate and rocky, volcanic soils.

The Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak AVA was established in 1984, it encompasses 15,000 acres, but only 2,000 acres are planted with grapes. The area is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay wines, which are grown on the region’s rocky, volcanic soils. The high elevations of the AVA provide a cooler climate, which can lead to a longer growing season for the grapes, resulting in wines with a unique flavor profile.

Learn More About Pine Mountain – Cloverdale Peak

15,000

Vineyard Acres

1

Winery

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Key Varieties

A classic blend of three different varieties that highlight the diversity of Pine Mountain vineyard sites. Lively fruit flavors of red and dark cherries, blueberries, and blackberries fill the palate. Well integrated oak offers a long finish of peppery spice and solid tannins.

Rockpile

Extending west from Lake Sonoma to the Mendocino County line, Rockpile is located in the northern part of the Dry Creek Valley. It is known for its full-bodied red grape varieties with great concentration and balance. With elevations as high as 1,900 feet, Rockpile is too high for the penetrating fogs that influence other Sonoma appellations. This exposes the grapes to more of the California heat and sun, increasing their ripeness and richness. This appellation is designated by elevation and geography, which differentiates it from its close AVA partners.

Explore Rockpile AVA

192

Vineyard Acres

0

Wineries

Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon

Key Varieties

The robust, dark fruit of this Cabernet Sauvignon awakens with notes of poached plum, cinnamon bark, and mission fig. A stout yet velvety texture greats the palate as luxuriant notes of raspberry cordial, ripe black cherry, and tobacco accentuate the middle. The delicate yet savory tannins settle softly on an elegantly refined finish. Beautiful color, well-defined aromatics, and outstanding flavor are all evident in this year’s vintage.

Beautifully expressive, this wine features notes of fig, black raspberry and warm vanilla on the nose. The wine is richly textured and supple on the palate with juicy red fruit, tangy minerality, and a long vibrant finish.

Pair this wine with rich meats such as Lamb sugo, pasta Amatriciana, or an herb-crusted pork loin. For a little fun, throw a tangy Irish cheddar on your burger or cheese board.

VinoVest – Wine investing for everybody

Russian River Valley

The climate in the Russian River Valley is determined by the constant cooling fog from the Pacific Ocean, coming from a few miles to the west. The fog usually arrives at night, often dropping the temperature 35 to 40 degrees from its daytime high. Natural air conditioning allows the grapes to develop full flavor maturity over an extended growing season, often 15 to 20 percent longer than neighboring areas, while retaining their all-important natural acidity.

Best Russian River Valley Wineries

13,896

Vineyard Acres

94

Wineries

Pinot Noir

Key Varieties

This Single Vineyard expression of 2019 Pinot Noir displays a deep burgundy color while offering aromas of fresh truffle and strawberry. The well balanced palate contains a nuanced ripe, muddled black cherry with light dried tobacco, transitioning to a smooth black currant, cocoa finish.

Organically farmed and using only rainwater for irrigation, the vineyard consistently offers exceptional fruit quality with extremely low yields from our heritage 1900 planting site. The vineyard is cultivated without the use of herbicides or pesticides; a stewardship that has continued over the duration of its life. The epic 2020 MCM Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel is a brilliant garnet color. The nose offers an array of stone fruits, cedar, and savory fall spices. Medium to full-bodied, the MCM is classic Gamba on the palate. Showing a solid structure and refined texture, the 2020 MCM offers dark berries, a touch of nectarine, Washington cherry compote, and tangy rhubarb, accented with delicious cocoa and brown spices, with just a subtle hint of oak. The wine is satisfying, layered, and enjoyably buoyant, showcasing a proportionate balance of mouth-watering acidity. This is a serious and thought-provoking wine from beginning to end. A great wine to enjoy now, or will reward the patient oenophile in the cellar with 5-10 years of additional aging.

Through intensively farming each vineyard site, our intent is to maximize the character and individuality of place. We do so utilize the most progressive viticultural techniques. Harvested at night, the fruit was rigorously hand sorted prior to destemming and then berry selected before open top fermentation. This blend is a collection of heirloom clones of Pinot Noir like Calera, Swan, Pommard, Mt. Eden, and Chalone as well as newer French selections like Dijon 777 & 943.

Sonoma Coast

The Sonoma Coast AVA covers a good portion of the county, from San Pablo Bay to the Mendocino County line. The appellation is known for its heavy rainfall and cool climate, comparable to many parts of Sonoma County. Not far from the Pacific, it gets more than double the annual rainfall of its inland neighbors, but it can still be warm enough to ripen wine grapes because most of the vineyards are above the fog line. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay shine, along with cool-climate Syrah.

Learn More About Sonoma Coast

4,725

Vineyard Acres

7

Wineries

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Key Varieties

One of our most substantial, complex wines among our mix of single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, this wine is a rare beauty. Raw honey and crème de cassis hit the senses, quickly leading to licorice, black cherries, sweet tobacco leaf, blue herbs, cream soda, cardamom and coconut. On the palate this wine is massive and full-bodied with blueberry compote, candied raspberries, plum concentrate, bittersweet cocoa and crushed espresso bean, with mouthwatering acidity and a perpetual finish. Delicious!

Fragrant notes of black cherry and mulling spice give way to rich juicy flavors of boysenberry a hint of espresso, and a savory richness on the palate. The dark fruit elements are enhanced by sophisticated nuances from the time spent aging in barrel. Vineyard Notes Koos Family Vineyard was planted in June of 2000 on two acres of sandy loam soil in the Sonoma Coast appellation. 

Sonoma Mountain

The 2,400-foot Sonoma Range begins to rise above the town of Glen Ellen on the western edge of the Valley of the Moon. There are high-elevation, steep sloping vineyards, with eastern exposures for fog-free morning sun, found within the larger Sonoma Valley AVA. However, due to the unique hillside terroir, they are entitled to use the more specific Sonoma Mountain AVA designation. The powerful yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignons, the appellation’s specialty, are well-drained soils. The irregular folds and crevices of the mountain slopes also create microclimates suitable for the limited production of a wide range of other grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, as well as Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.

The Best Sonoma Mountain Wineries

667

Vineyard Acres

3

Wineries

Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Key Varieties

2018 had a cool Spring and mild summer which resulted in slow ripening until a heat spike around Labor Day accelerated ripening. Immediately after, the weather returned to mild temperatures again, allowing the grapevines to recover. Individual blocks at Jack London vineyard were picked at the peak of ripeness between September 25th and October 2nd. After an average of 16 days of fermentation on the skins, the lots were then individually pressed off and settled before being transferred into barrels for 30 months of aging.

The 2013 Vintage was the best since 2007. We said that about the 2012 vintage but after experiencing 2013, it proved to be even better than the stellar 2012 vintage. What does “better” mean? Many tasters would say they are stronger but that is too simplistic. The 2013 red wines have more structure and more depth. They engage longer, the taste lingers longer on your palate. It is currently my favorite Zinfandel and anyone that works at Deerfield will tell you that Zinfandel is my favorite wine. – Robert

Sonoma Valley

The Sonoma Valley AVA focuses on the Sonoma Valley in the southern part of the county. The appellation is bounded by two mountain ranges: the Mayacamas Mountains to the east and the Sonoma Mountains to the west. In addition to being the area where much of Sonoma County’s wine history took place, it is known for its unique terroir, with Mount Sonoma protecting the area from the cool, wet influences of the nearby Pacific Ocean. The Sonoma Mountains to the west help protect the valley from excessive rainfall. The fresh air that hits the region arrives in the north from the Los Carneros region and in the south from the Llanura de Santa Rosa.

Because the valley cools from the north and south, it is different from other north-south oriented vineyard valleys in inland California. In North Coast denominations, the wind is exclusive to Sonoma Valley and Carneros.

5,565

Vineyard Acres

100+

Wineries

Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir

Key Varieties

Elegant and inviting, the 2017 Cinq Cépages opens with beautiful aromas of fresh raspberry, red and black currant, sweet floral fruit, and notes of lavender. The lush mouthfeel is filled with supple fruit, warm milk chocolate, toasted chestnut and fall spice flavors. The vintage of Cinq Cépages showcases incredibly refined and smooth tannins which leave a silky finish. The wine is rewarding now and ready for enjoyment but will also evolve over time with proper cellaring. Blend: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot

An estate blend, sourced from twelve acres of our Ambassador’s 1953, de Brye and Sessions vineyard blocks, all on rocky clay-loam soils, with an average vine age of nearly 30 years.

West Sonoma Coast

The West Sonoma Coast AVA has a diverse terroir, located in the westernmost part of Sonoma County with cooler sea temperatures and consistent fog that make Sonoma West Coast wines extremely unique and shine in the glass with depth. layers and elegance. The elevation of the Sonoma West Coast AVA ranges from 400 to 1,800 feet with vineyards planted on steep ridges along the San Andreas Fault Line against the consistently cold Pacific Ocean both above and below the fog line.

Temperatures in West Sonoma Coast region are at least 10 or more degrees cooler than the rest of the Sonoma Coast AVA. Due to the immediate proximity of the Pacific Ocean, the cold sea air and the thick fog create difficult conditions for the winegrowers, while offering clear advantages for the wine grapes at the same time. The area comprising the Sonoma West Coast AVA has a long agricultural history dating back to the 1880s, with the first vines being planted in 1817.

Learn More About West Sonoma Coast

1,028

Vineyard Acres

23

Wineries

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Key Varieties

Yu-ki Estate Pinot Noir always has a dark ruby color, due to the high skin to juice ratio in the tiny Pinot Noir grapes that grow in this coastal site. The 2019 Yu-ki has aromas of brambly wild huckleberries, wet earth, forest floor, molasses, and chanterelle mushrooms. The palate is a seamless blend of perfectly ripe fruit flavors, moderate tannins, and refreshing acidity. Each year that the Yu-ki vineyard matures, the flavors get more complex, and the palate gets more structured. As with all great vineyards, the longevity of the wines increases as the vines get older. Enjoy the 2019 Yu-ki from 2022 through 2032.

Your personal guide to wine country

Sign up for our newsletter to get wine country deals and recommendations sent right to your inbox.

Processing…
Success! You're on the list.

If you’d like to be added to this list, please let us know!


Share this post

Leave a Reply

Join Wine Routes, the popular bi-weekly newsletter that educates and entertains, and we’ll send you a link to download our app so you can tour Napa like the pros.
By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with Wine Routes and Mailchimp to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt-out at any time.
%d bloggers like this: