2016 Failla Pinot Noir Pearlescence Vineyard
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
One of my favorites in the lineup was the 2016 Pinot Noir Pearlessence Vineyard, which comes from a site on the Sonoma Coast (it’s all Martini clone) and saw 100% whole clusters. Killer notes of rose petals, mulberries, damp earth, and wild strawberries give way to an ultra-fine, medium-bodied, incredibly seamless 2016 that never puts a foot wrong. It has everything you could want from a Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. It will benefit from a year or two of bottle age and keep for a decade or more. Readers looking for a serious lineup of single vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay that have a distinctly Burgundian vibe need to check out these releases from Ehren Jordan and Savanna Wright. Failla owns prime terroirs on the Sonoma Coast, as well as has access to some of the best vineyards in the region. While these aren’t for those craving big, powerful wines, they have plenty of intensity as well as singular profiles. In addition to the Sonoma releases, Jordan’s Oregon releases and a few Rhône variety wines are also included in this report.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Pinot Noir Pearlessence is once again one of the most distinguished wines in the range. This cool-climate site planted with Martini clone yields a decidedly floral, savory wine. Rose petal, dried herbs, crushed red berries and mint are all nicely laced together. Medium in body, gracious and super-finessed, the Pearlessence is a real beauty. The 50% whole clusters are nicely balanced in this impeccable, striking Pinot from Ehren Jordan and Failla.