2012 Sonatera Pinot Noir

Our fascination with the great red Burgundies comes from the singular aromatics and complexities that are born in unique vineyards but a few kilometers apart. It is why we undertook the challenge and risk to focus on each specific clone of Pinot Noir that is best in harmony with each vineyard site – our Single Vineyard, Single Clone, and Single Cooperate wines – MonoClone®.

Sonatera is one of those unique vineyard sites that truly exemplifies the Soliste philosophy and style. The hilltop vineyard has three different exposures, facing north, south, and west. This geography funnels brisk marine winds over the vines reducing vigor, extending the ripening period of the grapes, and allowing distinctive aromatics to develop. Once you have tasted Sonatera Pinot Noir, you will always be able to identify its origins. 

Tasting Notes 

Le Regard / The Look
Intense depth and luminosity of dark boysenberries showing density and structure, crushed black cherry robe, with pure reflections of amethyst gem.

Le Nez / The Nose
The nose starts wide, earthy and darkly fruited, (dark cherries, spiced plums, blackberries), then fatty notes of roasted meats and mushrooms envelop your senses. As the wine opens up in the glass, aromas of dark cherries and violets laced with vanilla and exotic woods elevate the wine to great heights, a remarkable nose.

Degustation / The Taste
The first taste is pure Sonatera; intense concentration of dark cherry and plum compote, spiked with exotic spices and vanilla bean. As the wine evolves in the glass or decanter, the aromatics become more muscular and gamey, with intense dark fruit, the always-present dark wild cherries, laced with tea must and cocoa nibs. This vintage is definitely meatier and creates a wine of broad shoulders, almost chewy. The mid-palate delivers extraordinary texture and depth with layers of exotic spice and black truffles, with a massive concentration of Myrtilles (wild alpine blueberries) accented by fennel and violets. For a wine of such intensity, the tannins are extremely polished and in complete harmony with the mid palate, with expansive exotic spice and refined toasted wood, that creates a sense of weight and fattiness. The finish is deep, dark and muscular with the acidity found in the very best balsamico…SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE…Soliste

13.2% alc. 167 cases