Recently tasted, this is one of the best Sonoma Coast Pinot Noirs at this price point. Owned and made by Thomas Rivers Brown, this newly released vintage comes from his own 14-acre vineyard near Annapolis (think Pacific Ocean when visualizing the vineyard location) and two grower vineyards further south, near Occidental. Combined, the structure of the Aston estate vineyard and deeper fruit notes from Riddle and Joy Road Vineyard meld into one great-drinking Pinot Noir. It tastes coastal but with a nice mid-palate weight accentuated by deep red and brambly fruit notes. 

This newest Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir marks the fourth vintage with Thomas Rivers Brown as the sole proprietor of this estate Pinot Noir and specializing exclusively in Pinot Noir. Fred Schrader, the founder of Schrader Cellars, and Thomas used to be partners with 2001 marking their debut vintage.