2013 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
Deep red garnet gemstone with unparalleled purity and luminosity.

Le Nez / The Nose
Powerful but very refined aromas reminiscent of dry red cherries and spiced plums, laced with earthy notes of sous-bois and truffles. Then, slowly the aromas begin to intensify adding notes of rose petals, tea must, and bacon fat. As the wine evolves in the glass or decanter, the aromatics become more voluptuous and exotic with intense focus on dark cherries, plums, licorice, and cocoa nibs. There is a lingering scent of caramelized raspberries, vanilla bean, and sandalwood, typical to Sonatera’s terroir.

Degustation / The Taste
The front palate delivers an impressive verve and texture, with high focus on spicy red cherries and caramelized raspberries. The wine is very expressive and precise, with harmonious layers of red fruits, dark cherries, sous-bois, tea must, truffles, and rose petals. The mid-palate is pure silk, a beautiful structure that denotes great aging potential, perfect balance between acidity, ripeness, and tannins.

As the wine opens up, the fruit aromatics become more voluptuous and dense, showing layers of wild tart cherry compote, layered with cardamom, star anise, violets, and minerality. The ripe tannins give the wine a refreshing and bright acidity devoid of any astringency. The most impressive quality of this wine is how such harmonious concentration and texture can seamlessly flow uphill into a bright finish, providing verve, elegance and finesse. Clos de Beze? Anyone?

Sonatera 2013… Soliste’s first born, coming of age.

13.7% alc. 123 cases