2020 Riddle Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
2020 Riddle Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Riddle Vineyard is located near Occidental in a rugged section of the West Sonoma Coast. It is a pleasure to visit, as the vines are kept tidy and the views across the foggy valley are breathtaking. James Riddle gives each vine special attention, clipping shoots to the wires to maximize sun exposure and making several passes through the vines to keep only the top quality grapes. Mt. Eden clone provides a foundation of robust berry flavors and rich, silky texture. Clone 115 and a small lot of Pommard clone were blended in to balance the 2020 vintage wine. The resulting wine offers intriguing bramble berry fruit flavors, bright concentration and silky tannins that lengthen the finish.
Accolades
points
International Wine Report
"Aging in 50% new French oak barrels this Riddle Vineyard Pinot Noir contains more black cherry, grilled red plum, ground herbs, and violet flowers. The best Sojourn Pinot Noir from my tasting, it displays incredible balance, fruit that is not overpowering and produces herbal and savory components that are all in check. Medium-high acidity, rounded tannins, and a lengthy finish make way to the flavors of red currant, ripe red cherry, dried poultry herbs, and a hint of black tea. Highly recommended." - Jeremy Young, International Wine Report
Riddle Vineyard
Sonoma Coast
Riddle Vineyard is located on a ridge in Green Valley near the town of Occidental in the West Sonoma Coast. At 750 feet above sea level, its gentle, north facing slopes overlook many of the iconic Pinot noir vineyards of the region. Foggy mornings burn off early, and the vines are drenched in warm sun for most of the day.