2023 Pinot Noir McDougall Ranch Sonoma Coast

95 POINTS, DECANTER

"The McDougall Ranch, located just north of Hirsch and the Cazadero Hills in the Sonoma Coast AVA, is the source of this Pinot Noir crafted by Dan Ricciato, director of viticulture for renowned consulting winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. The 2023 vintage is notably focused, with excellent depth, concentration, and energy. Aromatics of pine forest lead into a fleshy, creamy mid-palate layered with cranberry and black cherry fruit, balanced by vanilla and clove nuances. The wine is framed by superb tension and poise, making it a standout expression of the site."

ABOUT THE VINEYARD

Perched 3.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean at elevations ranging from 935 to 1,030 feet, McDougall Ranch Vineyard sits above the fog line in the rugged hills of the Sonoma Coast. This south-facing site benefits from abundant sunlight and a relatively warmer microclimate, allowing for optimal grape ripening. The vineyard's rocky soils, composed of greywacke and sandstone derived from marine sediments, contribute to the complexity and minerality of the wines produced here. Planted in 1998 with Dijon clones 114 and 115, McDougall Ranch has become a sought-after source for Pinot Noir, offering a unique expression of the Sonoma Coast terroir.