2017 Sonatera Pinot Noir

 The Final Sonatera Release

Where it All Began

When we started Soliste in 2005, the stars aligned for us to work with the stunning vineyard owned by Beth’s sister, Debbie, and her husband, Marne. That fateful year, we made our first Sonatera Pinot Noir from the family vineyard (only 143 cases were produced, that’s it!). We believed its unique site would enable us to craft wines with a style that might satisfy our infatuation for the great Burgundies that we love.

Our fascination with the great red Burgundies comes from the singular aromatics and complexities that are born in unique vineyards and microclimates but a few kilometers apart. It is why we undertook the challenge and risk of focusing on each specific clone of Pinot Noir that is best in harmony with each vineyard site – our Single Vineyard, Single Clone, and Single Cooperage 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 expressive aromatics to develop into layers of complexity and elegance. Once you have tasted Sonatera Pinot Noir, you will always be able to identify its origins, a sense of place...

Sonatera exemplifies the Soliste style and its paradox: Elegant yet intense; focused and complex, powerful and refined. 

The Final Sonatera Release

In May, we shared the sad news of Beth’s untimely passing (read here). If not for Beth, Sonatera Pinot Noir and, indeed, Soliste would not exist. Claude, Elisabeth, and I decided now is the time to announce the retirement of the Sonatera label. The 2017 Vintage will be our final release of Sonatera. 

2017 SONATERA MonoClone Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

Tasting Notes 

Le Regard / The Look
Intense blueberry robe, with the brilliance of an amethyst gemstone, unctuous on the glass, great texture and volume.

Le Nez / The Nose
Following quick decant, a firm and intensely concentrated nose displaying primary aromas of peppery plums, blackberries and dark cherries. The secondary swirl reveals waves of violets and dry herbal, accented by earthy sous-bois of Autumn leaves and mushroom floor. As the wine develops in the glass, the aromatics become savory and gamey with dark black cherry compote, accented with deep mineral tones and espresso grounds. A superbly seductive nose, like a great Corton!

Degustation / The Taste
The 2017 Sonatera is breathtaking in its beauty. It boasts gorgeous textural depth and richness in its eternal, endless layers of fruit. After a few swirls, the wine rewards us with a rich and precise extraction of dark cherries, plums, and dark cassis which are harmoniously balanced by dried herbal, tea must, anis and bay leaves. As the wine evolves, the mid-palate becomes more unctuous with definite gamey and earthy tones of mushroom dust which gives the wine its Burgundian comparatives. The back-end is refined, long and mineral, lightly toasted wood adds another layer to the grippy tannins. A pure cranberry like acidity lifts the wine into a nervy and eternal finish.

Sonatera is a totally seamless and seductive Pinot Noir that captures the style of the year and the personality of this unique vineyard. Exceptional!!!

Sonatera 2017 - Powerful Elegance - Corton!