La Pitchoune Pinot Noir La Mission Sonoma Coast 2020

Price drops to $19.95 per bottle when you purchase 6 or more!

La Pitchoune is back – the “little winery that could” continues to impress with this old-world style Sonoma Coast pinot noir – ONLY $19.95 if you order 6 or more! With a scant 114 cases made(!), this Sonoma Coast pinot is a delicious nod to Burgundy at a tremendous price!

Tracy and Peter Joachim Nielsen were inspired by a small family property in the south of France named "la pitchoune" or "the little one". The name speaks to small production, small lots, and the idea that small size is the greatest asset. We love putting this cuvee up against $75 red Burgundy, and then sitting back and watching the magic. This is delicate, perfumed, and sexy in a way few California pinots can match.

The Nielsens are 100% Burgundy acolytes and use many of the same techniques that are incorporated there – things like picking on the early side to retain acidity and freshness, aging in mostly used French oak barrels, and aging the wine at least an extra year in bottle before release. Don't get us wrong, this is showing its California heritage through and through, with red berries and cherries for days, but it's the overall balance, acidity, and structure that takes this to the next level. A cool 13.5% ABV, from vineyards out near the coast in Sonoma, this is one smooth criminal.

Fantastically precise and focused, with dried rose petals, perfectly ripe strawberries, cherry compote with pomegranate, and an almost haunting Earl Grey/bergamot orange rind character. There’s a bit of juniper and hints of baking spice, to go along with the superb concentration of fruit. Soft and chewy with a terrifically bright finish.

The vineyards for this wine are English Hill and Holder vineyards – two prime Occidental vineyard sites that sit on a ridge less than 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean. All Dijon clones here – 115, 667, and 777, respectively. Barrel aged for 11 months, with 25% new French oak. Truly an incredible wine that pinot and Burg fans will adore!! Just stunning at this price!! While it lasts...!