2018 Laguna Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast Magnum

At the edge of the continent, a relentless sea pounds a heavily forested coast. A blanket of fog works its way inland, finding the natural channels carved out of the mountains by prehistoric rivers. The local biome crackles with life. So what happens when you plant the most site-receptive red grape in a vibrant river valley, ringed by redwoods and lorded over by the cold Pacific ocean? In a vintage like 2018, you silence those skeptical of California terroir, because this wine smells irrefutably like the place it comes from. It leads with freshly-picked coastal berries, both sweet and tart. It has a whisper of crushed seashells and pine sap. The signature notes from our friend Steven Moore's biodynamic Teac Mor vineyard are on display too—the cranberry skin, the pomegranate, the rhubarb, the black tea, and they all seem to come from a well-tuned orchestra. Special year out here for sure.

AROMA

black pepper, rhubarb, morello cherry

FLAVOR

cranberry, black plum, spice box

FOOD PAIRINGS

duck cassoulet, birria tacos, sausage + peppers