2021 Cobb "Doc's Ranch Vineyard" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

The ruby red 2021 Pinot Noir Doc's Ranch Vineyard boasts a fruitier and more floral nose, showing off notes of ripe strawberries, raspberries, rose petals, and herbes de Provence. The palate offers a haunting, delicate feel, with refined, ripe tannins, a mineral texture, and a graceful and weightless feel. It’s going to take time to open but will drink well over the next 12-15 years. (AF)

Doc's Ranch is a vineyard immediately adjacent to Cobb's Coastlands estate. Originally planted in 1999, Ross Cobb leased the property in 2017 and has farmed the vineyard ever since, so it can essentially be considered an extension of the same estate. However, what is quite interesting is that despite it's proximity to Coastlands, there are a number of significant differences that make the wines quite distinct from one another. Coastlands has a westerly facing aspect looking directly out over Bodega Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Doc's Ranch faces southeast, just on the other side of a the ridgeline from Coastlands, facing away from the the ocean and is thus more sheltered from the frigid coastal winds and fog. Despite being sheltered from the wind, the vines also fall into shadow in the afternoons when the sun is sinking into the ocean, and the fruit is allowed to develop very slowly and gradually without direct afternoon sun. The soils at Doc's Ranch is made of the same ancient marine sedimentary rock as those at Coastlands, but tend to be more decomposed and sandy. The 2021 Doc's is absolutely stunning. To be honest the entire 2021 lineup from Cobb is world-class through and through. I found the Doc's to be one of the more accessible and refined wines in this youthful line up. Pristine red berries, Coastal Redwood grove, bramble, winter spice, subtle truffle hints, alpine herbs. So fine and elegant, but also with lots of coiled power and ageing potential for decades of enjoyment. I can't think of any producer in the country making better wines in this style than Cobb right now. They're at the top of their game and the wines are truly not to be missed. Put some in your cellar and thank me later.