FLOWERS SONOMA COST PINOT NOIR 2023

FLOWERS SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR 2023 – Sonoma Coast

Coastal California Pinot Noir | Elegant, Savoury, and Beautifully Expressive

Region: Sonoma Coast, California, USA
Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Style: Fresh, coastal-driven, refined, and beautifully balanced

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Lifted and aromatic, with vibrant red cherry, wild raspberry, cranberry, rose petals, dried herbs, forest floor, blood orange zest, black tea, and delicate spice. Coastal evergreen and subtle saline notes bring freshness and complexity.

Palate:
Elegant and energetic, revealing layers of red berries, tart plum, blood orange, spice, black tea, and savoury herbal nuances. The fruit is bright and focused, beautifully framed by mineral tension and coastal freshness.

Structure:
Medium-bodied with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and remarkable finesse. Fresh, lifted, and precise, showing Flowers’ signature coastal elegance. Matured for approximately 10 months in French oak (20% new oak), contributing subtle texture without overpowering the fruit.

Finish:
Long, refined, and saline, lingering with red fruit, rooibos tea, citrus zest, savoury spice, and a delicate mineral edge.

In Summary

Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is one of California’s benchmark coastal Pinot Noirs, consistently delivering elegance, freshness, and exceptional terroir expression. Sourced from a combination of Flowers’ estate vineyards and carefully selected coastal sites, the wine captures the cool Pacific influence that defines the Sonoma Coast.

The 2023 vintage is particularly compelling, shaped by a long, cool growing season that preserved freshness, aromatic precision, and structure. Critics have praised the wine for its balance, energy, and authenticity, with scores including 94 points Jeb Dunnuck, 93 Decanter, 93 James Suckling, and 92 Vinous/Wine Spectator.

Compared to the more concentrated Sea View Ridge bottling, this Sonoma Coast cuvée offers a more approachable and versatile expression, while still retaining Flowers’ unmistakable coastal character.

Vintage Notes

The 2023 Sonoma Coast vintage benefited from cooler-than-usual conditions and extended hang time, allowing slow, even ripening. This produced Pinot Noirs with fresh acidity, aromatic purity, lower alcohol balance, and excellent site transparency.

Drinking Window

Now: Drinking beautifully with brief aeration
Peak: 2026–2032
Cellaring: Will continue to evolve gracefully with increasing savoury complexity

Food Pairing

• Roast duck or duck breast
• Cedar plank salmon
• Roast chicken with wild mushrooms
• Mushroom risotto
• Herb-crusted pork tenderloin
• Charcuterie and soft-rind cheeses
• Truffle dishes and earthy cuisine