
Doña Margarita Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023
West Sonoma Coast
Tasting Notes
The 2023 West Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from Doña Margarita Vineyard is a vibrant, coastal expression brimming with wild strawberry, raspberry coulis, and rustic black cherry, layered with the subtle earthiness of sassafras. Juicy notes of ripe nectarine and Santa Rosa plum add depth, while spicy red currants and a hint of orange zest bring energy and lift. A whisper of oceanic sprindrift enhances the wine’s freshness, balancing its silky, flowing mouthfeel with a touch of saline minerality.
Vineyard
Perched on a steep, south-facing hillside in the West Sonoma Coast, the Doña Margarita Vineyard is a striking expression of this rugged coastal region. Just seven miles from the Pacific Ocean, it overlooks rolling fog banks from Bodega Bay, with towering redwoods and firs forming a dramatic backdrop and the quaint hamlet of Freestone visible in the distance.
This site benefits from a uniquely cool microclimate, shaped by steady maritime influences. Its south-facing orientation provides crucial warmth, ensuring Pinot Noir ripens to perfection even in the region’s coolest vintages.
Winemaking
The grapes are fully destemmed and undergo a native yeast fermentation over 17 days in tank, allowing for a slow, natural extraction of color, texture, and aromatics. After fermentation, the wine is gently pressed and transferred to French oak barrels, where it matures for 14 months, with 33% new oak adding structure and subtle spice. This careful approach preserves the vineyard’s vibrant acidity, delicate red fruit character, and signature coastal elegance.
Technical Data
Alc: 14.1%
- Blend100% Pinot Noir
- WinemakerCasey Stringer
- RegionSonoma County
- AppellationWest Sonoma Coast
- VineyardDoña Margarita Vineyard
- Alcohol14.1%