MacPhail 2014 Sundawg Pinot Noir

At 280 feet elevation, among rolling hills, old apple orchards and chestnut groves, the Sundawg Ridge Vineyard sits above the fog many mornings. This 6.9-acre, sustainably farmed vineyard was planted by the Kensler Family in 1999 and benefits from exceptional exposure, temperate microclimate and mineral rich Goldridge soils.

Each and every vintage I can depend on this small Green Valley vineyard on a rolling hillside to declare itself a Pinot apart from most other expressions I’m fortunate to make. The powerful drum-line is always the same with Sundawg: In every vintage, this small vineyard on a rolling hillside in the warmest part of Green Valley is the first to harvest. We can set our winemaker’s watch by it, knowing with some certainty that the other vineyards will fall into line right behind it, if not necessarily quickly. Overall, the 2014 vintage might be described as ‘feminine’ but Sundawg is traditionally opulent, big and rich, with a noticeable influence of the dominant Pommard clone planted here. Bright lively acids are framed with tart cranberry, sour cherry and pomegranate, a brawny expression built for the cellar, and rewarding for those with the strength to be patient.

Alcohol: 14.3%

92 POINTS - "Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of cherry, peppery spices, earth and sweet oak. Highly seductive in the mouth with a lush texture and ripe flavors of strawberry, black cherry and black raspberry. A very polished and harmonious wine with good energy, deft barrel management and a grand finish. Considerably better the following day when tasted from a previously opened and recorked bottle." - Pinot File

In every vintage, this small vineyard on a rolling hillside in the warmest part of Green Valley is the first to harvest. We can set our winemaker’s watch by it, knowing with some certainty that the other vineyards will fall into line right behind it, if not necessarily quickly. Overall, the 2014 vintage might be described as ‘feminine’ but Sundawg is traditionally opulent, big and rich, with a noticeable influence of the dominant Pommard clone planted here. Bright lively acids are framed with tart cranberry, sour cherry and pomegranate, a brawny expression built for the cellar, and rewarding for those with the strength to be patient.