Wine Review: 2008 Sequana Sundawg Ridge Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley

The Sequana Sundawg Ridge Pinot Noir comes from the smallest appellation on the Sonoma coast, Green Valley of Russian River Valley which has a cool climate due to the fog that comes from the Pacific Ocean. This is idyllic climate for growing Pinot Noir, yielding complex, elegant wines with well-balanced acidity. Sundawg Ridge is at an elevation of 280 fieet and sits above the fog most mornings so ample sunshine ripens the grapes during the day. It is sustainably-farmed and benefits from exceptional exposure and mineral-rich soils. The wine is made by Pinot Noir specialist James MacPhail who controls the vineyard and has all grapes hand-picked and hand-sorted. He uses mostly native yeasts for fermentation and ages the wine sure lie in French oak barrels for 11 months. There is a complex bouquet of red plum, red cherry, and wild strawberry coupled with a hint of spice. NIce layers and excellent balance with a medium-full body ends with a finish that has great finesse.
Ancona's Price: $39.99