2021 Flowers Pinot Noir Sea View Ridge Cielo

A stunning wine, the 2021 Pinot Noir Sea View Ridge Cielo is all about elegance and epitomizes what great Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast can be all about. Gorgeous floral perfume unfolds with layers of rose petals, framboise, incense, and spice. The palate offers purity and structure without weight and is medium-bodied, with fresh acidity, a gravelly texture, and ripe tannins. It’s long on the palate and has a beautiful, clean finish. Drink over the next 15 years. This is my favorite in the lineup. This uniquely situated estate is two miles from the ocean, just north of Jenner, in a location once referred to as the “far Sonoma Coast.” Now officially members of the West Sonoma Coast AVA and Vintners Association, they focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with most vines planted to Chardonnay, primarily to the loosely clustered Wente clone. The property has two main sections, notably separated by the Seaview Ridge Vineyard, which is the southernmost vineyard in that region and lies between the first and second ridgeline. The eastern side of this divide is planted on red volcanic soils, whereas the western-facing side has more decomposed and sandy soils. The estate's highest elevation lies at 1875 feet in Fort-Ross Seaview, and the lowest elevation is below 1500 feet. The property is surrounded by redwood forest but reflects the proximity and exposure to the coastline. The wines in this report were tasted with their director of winemaking, Chantal Forthun. As the longest-tenured winemaker at the estate, she’s been leading with a steady hand since 2012. Having worked with and learned from Randall Grahm, who’s known for his organic and biodynamic farming practices, she continues these principles at the Flowers estate today.

This special-parcel pinot is so spicy and intense, with white pepper and oyster shell, as well as some moss and cracked terra cotta. Full-bodied and very intense and electric on the palate, with cloves and nutmeg galore. Flavorful finish. Seductive! Drinkable now, but better in three or four years.