Hundred Acre Summer Dreams 2022 “Golden Hour” Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

“Complex notes of ripe strawberries and cherries, hint of tea leaf and flowers, more medium bodied from the Eastern Ridge of Western Sonoma Coast, riper and fuller but pure elegance, layering and perfectly balanced tannins and acidity. Tour de Force of complexity, a symphony orchestra.“

Jayson Woodbridge (Hundred Acre) has branched out to Sonoma for his Summer Dreams project, which includes a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and two Pinot Noirs. “I’m trying to find the most unique little places, where you actually get that expression, where you get that cool climate,” he said. “In fact, I’m buying a ranch out there, I love the Chardonnay so much.” Notoriously reticent to reveal his grape sources (unless he owns the vineyard), Woodbridge did say, “Some of it’s off the Petersen Ranch. Cold, windswept area but facing west, so it’s a warm pocket in a cool area. Partially Goldridge soils.” As these were the first white wines I’d tasted from Woodbridge, I was curious to hear his philosophy on the subject. “Making the white wine is about giving it the time to come into its own, to very gently treat the wine,” he said. The two Pinot Noirs are quite different, which I suppose is the point. As Woodbridge said, “Super Chill is when you’re thinking; for me, it’s more powerful, structural and elegant. Golden Hour is richer, more flamboyant, celebratory in a way. It’s super layered.””