2022 Ernest "Estate - Freestone Occidental" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

A beautiful, haunting, earthy and mushroom-accented wine that's medium-bodied, complex and compelling. While nicely taut in medium tannins and fresh acidity, it has a sense of breadth and depth from dark-cherry, redwood-bark, bay-leaf and wild-mushroom flavors that flood the palate.

Unfortunately, Ernest Winery will be closing later this year, hence the deeply discounted pricing. It’s bittersweet news, as we’ve loved these wines over the past several years, and Ernest had become a go-to producer for me when it comes to truly cool-climate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This particular wine, not to be confused with their also delicious Sonoma Coast appellation bottling, is the Freestone-Occidental “Estate” Pinot Noir, which typically sells for $60. The fruit is grown in this small but highly renowned subregion just a few miles from the coast, where the vines experience a profound maritime influence and near-daily fog that keeps temperatures cool and steady. The vineyards here are rooted in Goldridge soils, an ancient seabed of fine, powdery sand that helps shape the wine’s finesse and aromatic lift. The wine beautifully captures the vibrancy of Pinot Noir grown on the far Northern California coast. Bright, spicy red fruits lead the way, layered with brambly tones, coastal redwoods and chaparral, earthy nuances, and hints of alpine herbs. On the palate, it is beautifully layered and unbelievably silken in texture, resonating with effortless precision and refinement. It’s a stunningly good wine at $60. At this price, it’s a total no-brainer. Our staff has been buying it up, and it’s running out fast. These are the last cases available anywhere. Not to be missed.