This 2018 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir comes from two vineyards in the Petaluma Gap region of the Sonoma Coast. Flocchini Vineyard, which is an old farm ranch with fantastic heritage Burgundian selections and as Stéphane says, it's a hidden gem with 30-years old vines. Gap's Crown Vineyard rounds out the Pinot Noir with vines starting at 15 years of age and is located on the western hillside of Sonoma Mountain in the most northern part of the Petaluma Gap. This 2017 Pinot Noir is a balanced blend of the best characteristics of each plot of land and results in a layered, complex whole. Aromas of cherry, violets, rhubarb and freshly turned earth rise from the glass with notes of “zingy raspberries, spiked with cinnamon, cedar, and orange pekoe tea. It’s all framed by subtle tannins and kept taut by vivacious acidity.” 500 cases were produced. 

While you might not have heard of Stéphane Vivier, you have probably heard of Aubert de Villaine, owner of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti aka DRC, one of the most sought-after Burgundy producers in the world. Working side-by-side at HdV Winery, which is owned by relatives Larry Hyde (of Hyde Vineyards) and Aubert, Stéphane oversees the winemaking efforts for this Napa Valley winery and it’s here where I first met Stéphane. I later learned of his own winery, Vivier, which specializes in producing high-quality Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and think it’s one of the most Pinot projects today.