MacPhail 2017 The Flyer Pinot Noir

Located in what is deemed “the gateway to the Sonoma Coast,” the Sangiacomo Lakeville Vineyards were planted by the Sangiacomo family in 1990 during the rebirth of the Petaluma Gap region. Wind and fog cover the vineyards in the early morning and late afternoon hours, which allows for extra hangtime and helps build complexity of flavor in the grapes. This environment combined with the Sangiacomo family’s passion and appreciation for the land, help to produce some of the most premium Pinot Noir grapes of the region.

Alcohol: 13.5%

95 POINTS - "With a lovely crimson red hue, the wine opens up with lofty aromas of wild berries, fresh herbs and earthy tones that can easily be mistaken as being from the famed region of Burgundy instead of this special coastal region in Northern California. The unique characteristics of the wine continues on the palate, where lively flavors of wild strawberry, dark cherry and ripe plum are layered with nuances of baking spices and roasted nuts. To make the wine even more intriguing is the fact that the blend includes distinctive clones of Pinot Noir: The French clone 777 and the Swiss clone 23 (a.k.a “Mariafeld”). The end result is a flavorful wine that gets even more complex as it opens up in the glass. Great value from start to finish." Chris Sawyer

90 POINTS - "Tones of forest floor, rhubarb and cardamom lead this light-bodied, elegant red that's made from several sites then aged 11 months in French oak, 30% of it new. Delicate tannins and mild oak tones are lifted by buoyant edges of bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

90 POINTS - "A gem from the Sangiacoco Vineyard and perfect expression from the Petaluma Gap This wine had longer hang time due to the cool winds at night. The nose is ripe red berries and a woodsy earthy tone. Right from the first sip its flushing with raspberry, red cherry and cherry cola and finishing with a hint of vanilla from the oak. Tannins are soft but acid very bright." Steven Kleinfeld

Tangy cheeses; beet salad with chives; grilled veggies; pasta with basil and heirloom tomatoes; fresh grilled salmon; and thick pork chops with cherry compote.