2023 was an amazing vintage that brought back a later-than-average harvest date and reminded me of epic years such as 2010, 2018, and as recent as 2021. The extended cool ripening cycle allowed the harvested Chardonnay grapes to retain their natural acidity while also developing and allowing amazing texture, purity, and freshness to be present in the finished wine. Aromas of crystalline lemon rind, spring peach, and fresh pineapple graze the rim of the glass.
- Mike Smith

Sonoma Coast

113 Cases

100% Stainless Steel

Chardonnay

Known for “packing a punch,” Gap’s Crown Vineyard is considered by many to be “the crown jewel of Pinots” in the Sonoma wine region. The fruit is distinguishable, known for its highly concentrated berry size and thick skin. The rain that came early in the 2022 season gave life to the terroir and helped foster more earth driven notes on the palate. You will certainly catch the minerality along with hints of rose floral notes which is not characteristic of past vintages. This wine is more medium bodied, showcasing ample fruit, with cranberry and deep cherries, while hints of vanilla and cocoa spices round out the finish. This is an elegant bolder wine, that we deem our Cab lovers Pinot. Enjoy! At an elevation of 300-800 feet above sea level, Gap’s Crown sits in the heart of the Sonoma Coast AVA. This is an extremely rocky, well-draining site with northwestern exposure, which consistently produces powerful, concentrated Pinot Noirs in a New World-style. Its proximity to the Petaluma Gap, from which its name is derived, effectively moderates temperature during warm spells in the summer and fall that enables the crop to hang into late September and October in most vintages - Mike Smith

Petaluma Gap AVA (Sonoma County)

150 Cases

75% French New Oak

Pinot Noir

What a beauty! The 2022 Sun Chase Vineyard Pinot Noir is a true gem. This wine stands out on its own with its elegance and fluidity. It features light, crisp acidity and soft tannins, making it a versatile choice that pairs beautifully with any dish. On the nose, it feigns dark cherries, rose petal, and thyme. Let the wine sit for a bit and you will notice some warm toffee notes on the finish. The 2022 vintage brought unpredictable weather, starting cool and moist, then turning warm later in the season, resulting in a beautiful forest floor element in this wine. It is nicely balanced with light spices, nutmeg, and vanilla bean. This Pinot Noir is the lightest and most delicate in our portfolio of single designates. Winemaker Mike Smith has dubbed it ‘a quintessential California Pinot.’ If you’re seeking a Pinot Noir that pleases every palate, this is the one for you. Sun Chase Vineyard is situated on the Southeastern edge of the Sonoma Coast appellation at 800 ft elevation. Considered one of the top five vineyards in Sonoma County, Sun Chase consistently produces wines of great depth and complexity. The rocky hillside soils of this hillside gem are derived from volcanic parent material known as basalt which has a low concentration of magnesium but very rich in minerals - Mike Smith

Petaluma Gap AVA (Sonoma County)

75 Cases

50% French New Oak

Pinot Noir

Luminous rays of vibrant ruby red fill the glass while still boasting a beautiful translucency to the rim. The structure is more fresh and lighter in comparison to its Sun Chase portfolio counterpart. This wine is delicate, showcasing its fruit with an alluring hint of crushed herbs and a touch of exotic spice revealing its whole cluster personality. Aged in neutral French oak barrels for 10 months. This light and crisp wine coats the palate with notes of dark summer cherries, cola, and a zesty minerality allowing for a wonderful lingering finish that trails of red fruit and spice. The fruit comes through so brilliantly and pure that we decided to use no new oak on its elevage. Block 3 is comprised of clone 828 that is known to nicely frame a wine with tension and verve. Sun Chase Vineyard is situated on the Southeastern edge of the Sonoma Coast appellation at 800 ft elevation. Considered one of the top five vineyards in Sonoma County, Sun Chase consistently produces wines of great depth and complexity. The rocky hillside soils of this hillside gem are derived from volcanic parent material known as basalt which has a low concentration of magnesium but very rich in minerals which is ideal for cultivating premium Pinot Noir grapes - Mike Smith

Petaluma Gap AVA (Sonoma County)

49 Cases

100% Neutral French Oak

Pinot Noir

In 2022, the central coast of California enjoyed nearly perfect weather for grape growing, avoiding the erratic patterns seen in the North. This mild climate, neither too cool nor too hot, allowed for superb phenolic development in the grapes. The result is one of our finest Soberanes vintages ever! This wine is silky smooth, well-rounded, and lush, with juicy notes of red currant and strawberry, complemented by beautiful hints of violet. As with all our Soberanes vintages, it features a mid-palate presence of spices, including white pepper and clove. This wine is incredibly well-balanced, with soft tannins and a velvety finish. Enjoy! Nestled up against the bench-land hills, the Soberanes Vineyard is located in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands. This family owned vineyard has perfect drainage and abundant filtered sunshine that allows these grapes to ripen perfectly and evenly throughout the growing season. Managed by the Pisoni and Franscioni families, the utmost in care and attention to detail shows in every cluster of this vineyard - Mike Smith

Santa Lucia Highlands AVA (Monterey County)

75 Cases

50% French New Oak

Pinot Noir

The signature blend of Sun Chase and Gap’s Crown vineyards results in a gorgeous, well-balanced wine. The 2022 vintage exhibits a touch more earthiness compared to previous years, thanks to the sporadic weather in the Sonoma wine region. Early rains revitalized the vines, while the typical summer heat arrived later, imparting an inherent loamy richness to this vintage, both in aroma and flavor. One can expect a captivating array of layered fruits, including the vibrant flavors of raspberries and blackberries, complemented by the zesty notes of orange peel and the subtle depth of black tea. Overall, this wine offers a wonderful mouthfeel and complexity, with flavors that burst forth and linger beautifully throughout the finish, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. Sun Chase Vineyard is situated on the Southeastern edge of the Sonoma Coast appellation at 800 ft elevation. Sitting above the fogline, the vineyard overlooks the coveted Gap’s Crown Vineyard. Fruit for this Sonoma Coast blend sources fruit from two of the top five vineyards in Sonoma County, Gap’s Crown Vineyard and Sun Chase Vineyard - Mike Smith

Petaluma Gap

105 Cases

75% French New Oak

Pinot Noir