| Peay Vineyards Sonoma Coast, California |
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| Peay Vineyards is located in the far northwestern corner of Sonoma County approximately 4 miles from the Pacific Ocean near Sea Ranch. The vineyard is situated along the coast, but not on the very first ridge. The winery has a partially obstructed avenue formed by the Wheatfield Fork of the Gualala River that allows for some fog and copious cool air penetration. The vineyard sits on a hilltop, just at the top of the fog level, low enough to be very cool, but high enough not to be too cool and wet to grow grapes. The site was selected for the perfect combination of climatological factors.
California has a diverse range of microclimates. This hilltop vineyard also expresses many subtle variations depending on whether it faces south, southeast or west; sits high on the hilltop in the afternoon breeze with full sun; or rests lower on the slope with greater fog influence and less sunlight. But make no mistake, this is pretty cool climate for grape growing. The winemakers cross their fingers hoping that the fruit will ripen before rains start in late October/early November. In some years, getting it ripe is a challenge. But that is why they produce superior fruit. Due to the cool climate they have a long growing season with moderate temperatures ideal for maximizing the production of intense flavours and phenolic compounds that result in complex wines. And the wines will always have plenty of acid to provide structure. No flabby, overripe wines here. Recent Accolades: In December 2009 The San Francisco Chronicle named Peay Vineyards 2009 "Winery of the Year" In October 2008 and 2009 Wine & Spirits magazine named Peay Vineyards as a "Winery of the Year" To quote Matt Kramer's Wine Spectator article "Seven Wines to Try Before, well, You Know" (Nov 30, 2009) "..taste the indisputably original savour of Pinot Noirs from producers such as Flowers, Hirsch and Peay is to marvel at America's Pinot Noir treasures." "Over the past four vintages, Peay Vineyards has proved itself to be one of the greatest properties in the US, if not the world" and the 2006 Peay Estate Chardonnay is (was) "Quite possibly the greatest chardonnay produced in California." - www.Vintrust.com |
Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2009The Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a blend of 60% estate fruit with 40% sourced fruit from Hirsch and Campbell vineyards. The nose reveals the wine's youth and promise displaying aromas of dried pineapple, kiwi, lemon and limestone. The mouth bursts with strong mineral, ginger snap and apple flavours kept taut and focused by quite high, racy acidity. The finish has a biscuit, leesy finish that will become more pronounced as the wine ages and the fruit subsides. The Sonoma Coast is delicious and has all the qualities to age 3-5+ years but can be enjoyed upon release. "Vanessa Wong and the Peay brothers mixed 60 percent fruit from their Annapolis estate with 40 percent from the Hirsch and Campbell Ranch sites - a trio of coastal heavy hitters. The texture sells it: plenty of fruit richness without relying on lees or wood notes. Intense, precise flavours, with a smoky and stony countenance. Pine bark, fig and key lime, with melony richness to balance. Give it a good three years to improve." "Recommended Sonoma Coast Chardonnays", San Francisco Chronicle, April 3, 2011 |
Estate Chardonnay 2009"Light yellow. High-pitched aromas of lemon curd, green apple and honeysuckle, with sneaky iodine and spice nuances that gain power with air. Dusty, precise and palate-staining, offering dense citrus and orchard fruit flavours with zero fat. Notes of ginger and agave appear on the finish, which is linear and very persistent. I really like this wine's focus. " 92 points, Int'l Wine Cellar, May/June 2011 |
"Ama" Pinot Noir 2009"Vibrant red. Pungent, sexy aromas of black raspberry, cherry pit, cocoa powder and incense. More serious, even masculine, compared to the Pomarium. Fresh and gripping, with impressive sappiness and extract to its dark berry and bitter cherry flavours. Finishes vibrant and very long, with palate-dusting floral, mineral and spice nuances. This is the inaugural vintage for this wine, which is sourced from a section of the Peay vineyard that's planted to a suitcase clone and Dijon clone 828." 93 points, Int'l Wine Cellar, May/June 2011 "This has the conifer-forest spice and mineral tannin of far-coast Pinot, rounded and sweetened by new oak. The fruit is lean, just plump enough to support the oak, needing little bottle age to show itself so cleanly. This is the first vintage of Ama, a selection that includes a block of clone 828 (planted in 2001) and a suitcase clone from the Cotes de Nuits planted in 2002. 550 cases." 90 points and "Best Buy", Wine & Spirits, April 2011
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