Assorted Flowers Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Tasting Lot

“This is blended from Flowers’s far-coast, estate-grown fruit (39 percent) and selections from growers in the western reaches of Sonoma Coast; there’s also a portion from Gaps Crown, a notably ocean-influenced vineyard east of Highway 101. This wine stands apart for its clear focus, a clean presentation of Sonoma’s far coast. The primary fruit is a frame for the soil character, a resinous scent, rooty but more elegant than that might imply. Jonathan Waters of Chez Panisse said, 'It tastes like old-school California,' an honest, unpretentious wine the grower might present by saying, 'This is what we make here.'” (04/2012)

“This wine seems fruity, sweet and pure, with wonderfully bracing acidity and gentle tannins. The mouthfeel is light and graceful. Its notes of raspberry and smoky oak make it amazingly drinkable.” (12/2012)

“A gorgeous, introductory-level wine, the 2010 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is seriously rich, deep and expressive, especially within the context of the year. Black cherries, cola, savory herbs and licorice all burst from the glass. A juicy, totally expressive wine, the 2010 is already drinking beautifully but it should continue to deliver considerable pleasure over the next few years. A dollop of whole clusters (5%) adds an extra dimension of nuance on the close. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. (AG)” (04/2013)

“Dense without being weighty, this Pinot shows a tight core of dried dark berry, plum and raspberry notes that are well-focused and persistent, ending with a burst of wild berry and briny seashell notes. Drying tannins. Best from 2016 through 2022. (JL)” (06/2012)

“Fragrant with scents of rose petal and pinecone, this is clean and brisk. Lifted rather than layered or complex, it’s ready to decant for herb-stuffed trout baked in parchment.” (04/2015)

“Shy and reserved, this cool-climate wine opens coyly with a burst of spearmint on the nose, evolving into layers of flavor steeped in rhubarb, black cherry and tea. Soft and lilting, the wine’s finish conjures thoughts of strawberry cream.” (07/2015)

“The 2013 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next few years. The flavors are floral and nicely lifted, while the fruit is already quite soft. This tasty, straightforward offering is best enjoyed over the near term. (AG)” (01/2015)

“This is a gorgeously light coastal offering, a subdued expression of the variety that unravels its layers slowly and methodically. Red cherry, lavender and blueberry are revealed on the palate as perfumed shocks of rose and salty air permeate the nose. Vibrantly crisp, it has a slight grip to the velvety texture. (VB)” (02/2017)

“Aromas of blueberry and ash with some spice. Medium to full body, juicy fruit, light tannins and a lightly candied fruit finish.” (05/2017)

“This iteration of Flowers’ multi-vineyard blend from western Sonoma is a bit lush compared to some other vintages, perhaps due to the warmth of the 2014 growing season, yet it’s stitched together by brisk coastal acidity and the tannins of fruit grown on sandy ridgetops. Its initial dark cherry flavor gains levity in the finish, heading toward spicy suggestions of apple skin and pomegranate, drawing a line of red fruit that’s delicious and immediate, ample but not heavy.” (04/2016)

“There's plenty to chew on in this youngster, which is rustic, pleasantly earthy and tannic, making for a slow development in the glass. Promises healthy tannins to come. (JL)” (07/2017)

“The 2016 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is pale ruby-purple colored with a pronounced red currants and cranberries-scented nose with hints of rose hips, raspberry leaves and dried herbs plus a waft of fungi. Medium-bodied, delicately fruited and with beautifully pure cranberry and earth-inspired layers, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. (LPB)” (04/2018)

“The 2016 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is another terrific appellation-level wine from Flowers. Medium in body, the 2016 is a model of total grace and understatement. Game, incense, tobacco, dried flowers and licorice add layers of nuance throughout. The tannins are a bit coarse, especially for the size of the wine, but that is a relatively small critique given how far things have come here in recent years. Flowers works with purchased fruit for the Sonoma Coast bottling. (AG)” (07/2018)

“More black fruit than red, with a lovely aniseed complexity on the palate. Semi-firm tannin, medium body, nicely integrated acidity to crisp up the finish. Clove spice on the length – this seems like it has much further to go. 17+/20 points (RH)” (03/2018)

“Beautiful dark berries with ripe strawberries and hints of decadence and richness. Some meat, too. Full-bodied, dense and rich with tight and linear tannins. Needs a year or two to soften. Better in 2022.” (05/2019)

“Big and rich, with flavors of plum tart, dried strawberry and red currant, supported by crunchy acidity. Cedar and hot stone notes emerge on the pure-tasting, minerally finish. (KM)” (08/2019)

“This complex wine is thick in tannin and structure, with nuanced underlying elegance. Textured, it offers dried herb, clove, wild strawberry and a twist of blood orange on the palate, with acidity interwoven within the integrated oak. (VB)” (08/2020)

“Pale ruby-purple colored, the 2017 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast gives up intense scents of kirsch, violets, rose hip tea and chocolate-covered cherries with touches of garrigue and dried Provence herbs. Medium-bodied with delicate floral and red fruit layers in the mouth, it has wonderfully satiny tannins and a long, lively finish. (LPB)” (12/2018)

“The 2017 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is a very pretty appellation-level Pinot from Flowers. Rose petal, crushed flowers, sage, mint and crushed berries are all nicely laced together, with a touch of whole cluster influence that adds attractive aromatic overtones. Medium in body, gracious and light on its feet, the 2017 has so much to offer. What a pretty wine this is. (AG)” (05/2019)